FT 

MEADE 

PS 3515 
. A1565 
D6 

1914 

Copy 2 



DON’T WEAKEN” 


H GomeDE tn Gbree Bets 


* 


BY 


WALTER HACKETT 

U 


Copyright, 1914, by Walter Hackett and 
George Broadhurst 


New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th STREET 


London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 

Z 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


CHARACTERS. 


Duncan Price 
Alexander Travis 
Roland Kent 
Richard Steele 
James Meredith 
William Cannon 
Samuel Marvin 
Ethel Travis 
Mrs. Kent 
Mrs. Cannon 
A MAID 

The action- takes place .in the living room in the 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Cannon in*Kew York. 

Act I. — An evening near the end of May. 

Act II.— -Afternoon a month later. 

Act III. — Evening of the same day. 

JAN 14 1914 


©CI.D .35646 ^ 

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P53515. 

. (\ 1565 D6 

' 

“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


ACT I. 

Scene: — The scene represents the living room in the 
home of the Cannons. It is comfortably and 
tastef ully furnished. There is an exit l. leading 
to the dining room. One about R. 1, and one up 
stage R. leading to the hall. 

When the curtain irises the doors leading to the 
dining room are closed and the sound of a col- 
lege song being sung there is heard. 

Mrs. Marjory Cannon is discovered arranging 
the card table fixing cards and chips , placing 
cigar boxes , siphons, bottles, etc., on convenient 
taborets. While she is doing this bell off l. 
rings. She hears it, nods and smiles, slight 
pause. Ethel Travis enters. 

Maid. Miss Travis. 

Ethel. Hello, Marjorie. 

Marj. Ethel dear ! I thought you were never 
coming. 

Ethel. Then I am not too early ? 

Marj. Of course not. The boys never let a 
woman sit at the table with them when they are 
having their annual reunion dinner and Fve been 
dreadfully lonely. 

Ethel. How often have they had these re-union 
dinners? 


3 


4 


“ DON’T WEAKEN .” 


Marj. Ever since Jim Meredith, Roland Kent, 
Dnncan Price and my husband left college eight 
years ago. 

Ethel. Jim Roland and Duncan were on the 
football team together, weren’t they? 

Marj. Yes. And Will was the manager. Dick 
Steele and Sam Marvin were in college with the other 
boys but graduated some years earlier. They were 
all chums, though, and they’ve kept up the friendship 
ever since. 

Ethel. That’s splendid. (Ethel sees chips and 
tables) Going to let them play cards? 

Marj. I’m going to let them thinlc they’ll play, 
but just when they’re starting I’ll sing one of their 
old college songs and then — Well, just wait anct 
see how long their game will last. 

Ethel. You schemer. ( a burst of laughter comes 
from the dining room) The dinner seems to be a 
great success. 

Marj. Yes, thank heaven. Though for a while I 
thought it wouldn’t be. 

Ethel. Why ? 

Marj. This is the first time all six friends haven’t 
been at the dinner together. 

Ethel. One of them is missing? 

Marj. Duncan Price. 

Ethel, {all the pleasure dying from her face) 
Not Duncan? 

Marj. He sent a telegram at the last minute, 
saying that business interfered. The boys all realized 
immediately that it was only an excuse to avoid 
coming. 

Ethel. But why should Duncan wish to avoid 
coming? 

Marj. Because he hasn’t been successful like the 
others. His pride kept him away. 

Ethel. Oh ! I’m sure it couldn’t be that. Dun- 
can is bound to succeed some day. 

Marj. That’s what we’ve been saying for years. 


“ DON’T WEAKENS 


5 


Ethel. Yes. That’s true, but don’t you see 
that 

Marj. He has failed in everything he has tried 
until now he barely manages to make a living as a 
clerk in a broker’s office. There are other men beside 
Duncan Price. Dick Steele for instance — He’s crazy 
about you and he’s a man worth while. 

Ethel. Hot to me. 

Marj. Although he’s only thirty-four he’s suc- 
cessful and powerful and the head of one of the big- 
gest firms in his line in the country, the same busi- 
ness as your father, too. How, Ethel, if I were 
you 

Ethel. Oh, please, please. 

Marj. Jufet as you say, dear, but 

(The door hell rings.) 

Ethel. Perhaps Duncan has changed his mind 
and has come after all. 

(Maid enters.) 

Maid. Mrs. Kent, ma’am. 

Marj. Very well. 

(Maid exits.) 

Ethel, (disappointed) Oh dear! 

Marj. Mrs. Kent. I wonder what she wants. 

(Mrs. Kent enters. She is apparently greatly 
worried. ) 

Mrs. Kent. Pm afraid you will think this a 
dreadful intrusion, Mrs. Cannon. 

Marj. Of course not, it’s a delightful surprise— 
You know Miss Travis, don’t you? (Ethel and 


6 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Mus. Kent bow cordially) Do let me help you off 
with your cloak. 

Mrs. Kent. ( worried and embarrassed) I won't 
take it oft, thanks, I only came in for a moment. 

Marj. {taking cloak) Nonsense! Now you're 
here we are going to keep you. 

Mrs. Kent. I was so worried I just had to come. 

Marj. Worried! What about? 

Mrs. Kent. It's about my husband — poor, dear 
Rollo — is he sober? 

Ethel. Surely Mr. Kent isn't in the habit of ! 

Mrs. Kent. I don't know. This is the first 
chance he has had since we were married five months 
ago, and my poor dear mamma always says : “If a 
man doesn't do a thing the first time it can't become 
a habit." 

Marj. But, why should you think that Mr. Kent 
is 

Mrs. Kent. My poor dear mamma told me you 
could only trust men to behave when you had your 
eye on them — and mamma has had great experience 
with men — she's been married four times and was a 
widow once! 

Marj. Her life must have been very interesting. 

Mrs. Kent. But frightfully discouraging. Each 
of her husbands had entirely different methods. 
Their ingenuity was so appalling she was convinced 
that there was but one rule to follow — never believe 
anything a man says ; and if you do believe him don't 
trust him ! 

Marj. A safe method, but rather contradictory. 

(A burst of laughter comes from the dining room. 

Kollo's voice being plainly distinguishable. 

Mrs. Kent draws herself up tragically.) 

Mrs. Kent. That's Eollo's voice and he promised 
me he wouldn't touch even a drop during dinner. I 
must test him. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


7 


Ethel. Test him ? 

Mrs. Kent. By making him kiss me. 

Marj. Oh ! 

Mrs. Kent. If he has even tasted the wine or the 
liquor he will hesitate — perhaps even stammer — and 
then I shall know ! 

( Sounds come from the dining room as though the 
dinner party were breaking up.) 

Marj. There! They are coming in. Now, Mrs. 
Kent, you will see how baseless your suspicions are ! 

Mrs. Kent. Oh, this is an awful moment for 
me 

(Men enter from dining room. Marvin and Can- 
non come first, rather quickly.) 

Cannon. Hello, dear! Well, how are the girls? 
( crossing to her) Hello, there is Ethel. ( greetings , 
Ethel and Mrs. Kent) Why this is a surprise. 
Mrs. Kent; How do you do, Mr. Cannon. 
Ethel. How are you, Will ? 

Marvin. That was a wonderful dinner, Marjorie. 
Marj. Thank you, Sam. 

Marvin. You don't mind my smoking, I know. 
Marj. Certainly not. 

(Kent, Steele and Meredith enter slowly, Kent 
in center telling story.) 

Steele. Go on, Kent, finish the story 

Kent. Well, I hadn't been introduced to the girl 
— so when she dropped her handkerchief I picked it 
up, handed it to her and said : “ Do you trot ? " 

You know the band was playing, and then 

Meredith, (seeing Mrs. Kent and endeavoring 
to warn Kent) Why, there is Mrs. Kent 


8 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Steele, Then you found it was the same old 
thing — she turned you down. 

Kent. I didn’t give her a chance — my arms were 
around her and soon we were dancing up the floor 
like this — (Kent turkey-trots a little and suddenly 
finds himself face to face with Mrs. Kent. He 
stops abruptly) Why, Allie darling, how did you 
get here ! 

Mrs. Kent. Kiss me. 

Kent. ( embarrassed ) Really, dear, before every- 
body? I hardly think 

Mrs. Kent. Good gracious, you hesitate 

Kent. Well, you know I — I have always main- 
tained — that people — that people 

Mrs. Kent. Kiss me 

Kent. Yes, Baby. # (lie bends over and shame- 
facedly kisses her — she smiles delightedly) 

Mrs. Kent. Why, you haven’t had anything to 
drink ! 

Kent. ( seriously ) Didn’t I promise? 

Mrs. Kent. Yes, dear. 

Kent. And have you ever known me to break a 
promise ? 

Mrs. Kent. No, dear, (slight pause) I’m sorry. 

Kent. That’s all right, sweetheart. 

Meredith. Roland, when you have quite finished 
spooning with your wife you might present me. I 
have never had the pleasure 

Kent, (relieved) That’s true, you haven’t. -This 
is Jim Meredith, Allie. 

Mrs. Kent, (very distantly) How do you do, 
Mr. Meredith. 

Meredith. I am mighty glad to meet you, Mrs. 
Kent. You know Roland and I roomed together in 
college 

Mrs. Kent. Yes, and I know all about the way 
you treated him! 

Meredith, (surprised) What! 


9 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 

Kent pantomimes to Meredith.) 

Mrs. Kent. I think it disgraceful the way you 
got into all those scrapes and made the faculty be- 
lieve that guilty person was my poor dear boy. 

Meredith. ( stunned ) But, really 

Mrs. Kent. He has told me everything — (Kent 
is wildly signalling Meredith to silence) Haven’t 
you, dear? (Kent stops suddenly) 

Kent. Mm ! Oh yes — yes, I’ve told you more 
than everything. 

Mrs. Kent. More ? 

Kent. I mean everything there was to tell. 

Mrs. Kent. But you said 

Kent. You take me up so quickly I don’t know 
what I am paying. 

Cannon. ( at table l.) Well, boys, here are the 
cards and chips. How about a little poker? 

Marj. I suppose that is a polite hint for us 
women to go. 

Mrs. Kent. Surely, Mrs. Cannon, you are not 
going to let them play poker? 

Marj. I am afraid we can’t prevent it. 

Mrs. Kent. Of course you are not going to play, 
Kollo? 

Kent. Well, you see, my dear, I thought — that is 
I— I ! 

Mrs. Kent. You have always told me that you 
didn’t know how to play. 

Kent. I don’t! I don’t! (to Meredith) Do I, 
Jim ? 

Meredith. You certainly don’t! And it has 
cost you a lot of money to find it out. 

Mrs. Kent. If you don’t promise me not to try 
to play we’ll go straight home. 

Kent. Oh, I haven’t any idea of playing. I’m 
only going to sit and look on — I just love to sit and 
look on. 


10 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Marj. ( at door r. with Ethel) Coming, Mrs. 
Kent ? 

Mrs. Kent. Yes, at once. 

Marj. We will see you all again presently. ( she 
and Ethel go out door R., Mrs. Kent goes to door 
and turns ) 

Mrs. Kent. Now, remember I trust you. Don't 
forget your promise, Eollo. 

Kent. Roland, baby. 

Mrs. Kent. I like Rollo best, it's such a sweet 
name. Remember — (he smiles at her reassuring 1 y 
until she goes out door r. closing it behind her. 
Then he crosses over and mixes himself a highball. 
Steele goes to him) 

Steele. When you and that girl got through 
turkey trotting, what happened? 

Kent, (glaring at him) Oh, shut up. You are 
beginning to get on my nerves 

Meredith. (to Kent indicating drink) You 
are forgetting your promise very quickly. 

Kent. I only promised not to drink during 

dinner — this is after ! 

Meredith. A pure evasion, — Rollo. 

Kent, (crossly) Don't call me by that fool 
name ! 

Cannon, (seated at table shuffling cards) Come, 
boys, cease this idle chatter and sit in. 

Meredith, (seating himself) Straight poker or 
stud ? 

Marvin, (seating himself) More action in stud 
— and action is what I am after — you know I am 
leaving for Boston on the midnight train. 

Steele, (seating himself) Straight poker is a 
good deal more conservative. 

Kent, (seating himself) Maybe, but stud has 
the thrills — and they make losing money easier. 

Cannon. You're out voted, Dick, it's stud. 

Meredith. Just a moment, Rollo! You are for- 
getting your promise. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


11 


Kent. My promise ? 

Meredith. Not to try to play. 

Kent, (his face falling) Oh, hell! (he pushes 
back his chair and rises) 

Steele. Who’s banking? 

Cannon. I am. The whites are a quarter, blues 
fifty cents, and the yellow boys a dollar. Twenty-five 
dollars a stack, table stakes — (Cannon counts out 
chips) 

Meredith. Honestly, Kollie, your wife isn’t jeal- 
ous of you, is she? 

Kent. Yes, she is. 

Meredith. Well, can you beat it. Jealous of 
you ! Boys she is jealous of that. 

(All laugh. Marvin takes up cards.) 

Marvin. First Jack deals. (Marvin throws 
cards around) 

Kent. She’s the dearest, sweetest little woman in 
the world ydth only one fault — an everlastingly sus- 
picious nature. 

Meredith. That’s easily cured. 

Kent. How? 

Marvin. Jack! Jim deals. 

Meredith. You can cure her by psycho thera- 
peutics — in plain words, by suggestion. 

Cannon. Go on, Jim, deal the cards. 

Meredith. It is a well recognized fact ! 

Steele. (to Kent) See what you’ve done. 
You’ve started Jim on one of those theories of his. 

Meredith. It isn’t a theory. If you suggest a 
thing to a person often enough and strongly enough 
that person will end by accepting the suggestion as a 
reality 

Marvin. Your theory then is this : I am a law- 
yer — 

Kent. Alleged. 

Marvin. Now, all that is needed to make me the 


12 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


greatest lawyer in the world somebody has only to 
suggest it to me. 

Steele. Or to have Dune Price make a million 
dollars all you have to do is to have some one sug- 
gest that to him. 

Meredith. Yes. If the person could suggest it 
in a way that w r ould give Dune confidence in him- 
self. If he would believe he was going to succeed he 
would succeed. 

Marvin. And to make Polio’s wife think he is 
guileless as a babe, that only has to be suggested to 
her. 

Meredith. Strongly enough. Yes, it is a scientific 
fact. 

Kent. Then it is cold with me. {door hel 1 rings) 
There is no scientific way to handle a woman. 

Cannon. When are we going to play cards? 

Kent. Still I should like to know. 

Cannon. Deal. 

Steele. Do. 

Marvin. For heaven’s sake ! 

(Meredith begins to deal.) 

Meredith. I’ve been telling you the truth, if 
Dune Price would only 

(Travis enters.) 

Travis. Hello, boys, {he is warmly welcomed by 
the others) 

Cannon. You know everybody, of course, Mr. 
Travis ? 

Travis. Certainly ! I’ve come to take Ethel 
home when she’s ready. 

Meredith. You’re the stingiest father I know. 
You never let any of us get a chance with Ethel. 

Travis 1 should say I don’t. She’s mv pal. 


13 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 

She’s all I’ve got and I’m going to watch her as close 
as I can. 

Steele. Object to making a little money while 
you’re waiting? 

Travis. Not if the police aren’t watching us? 

Marvin-. Then sit in. 

Travis. What is it? 

Cannon - . Stud. 

Travis. Stud, eh ? 

Steele. I don’t think that Mr. Travis is fond of 
taking chances. 

Travis. I make it a rule never to take chances, 
but after looking at the shape of your heads I don’t 
think this would be taking any! {he sits) Slide 
me a stack. 

Cannon. {passing dhips) Twenty-five dollars 
worth. Whites a quarter, blues a half, yellows a dol- 
lar. table stakes. 

Travis. Well, if the Government doesn’t enjoin 
me I ought to do some regular business in the next 
hour. 


(Meredith has dealt cards around.) 

Meredith. High card bets. That’s you, Dick. 
{game ad lib until from room R. sounds a college 
song, played on the piano in the next room, comes 
through doorway. Meredith, about to deal second 
round of cards, pauses) Say, fellows, do you hear 
that? 

Marvin. Yes. 

Kent. Bully old song, isn’t it? 

Cannon. How poor old Duncan used to sing 
it 

Meredith. I shall never forget one night he sang 
it — after we tied Yale six-six. 

Marvin. I know, {indicating Kent) You made 
the touchdown with only two minutes to play. 


14 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Kent. And Jim here made the hole for me to go 
through. 

Meredith. Their line had been holding like a 
stone wall and it was the last down with four yards 
to go. We had tried so often before and been held 
that we thought we hadn't a chance. We hadn't 
quit, you know, but we were weakening. 

Kent. Eight. 

Meredith. Just at the critical moment we heard 
the good old cheer, “ don't weaken," . all together 
now. (i they give a college yell ) It was just what 
was needed to brace us up. It was a case of do or die 
— and we did. 

Kent. You bet. 

Cannon. I remember. 

Marvin. Of course you do. It was the night you 
first met Marjorie. 

Cannon. Yes ! Some night, eh, boys ? 

( The tune is changed to another college song.) 

Meredith. Say, fellows, let's cut out the cards 
and go in and listen. 

Kent. That sounds good to me. 

Steele. Yes, you're not playing and Mr. Travis 
is. He isn't interested in those old songs. 

Travis. You're wrong there, I am. There's 
youth in 'em and hope and that's what a man of my 
age longs for most — youth and hope! Boys, that 
takes me back to the happiest time of a man's life — 
the days when his first moustache is just beginning 
to break ground. 

Marvin. I'd rather like the music too. There's 
no sense in my getting interested in cards when I've 
got to leave for Boston at midnight. 

Cannon. Then music it is. 

Steele. That suits me. 

Marvin. Then come along. 


15 


“ DON'T WEAKEN” 

(All but Travis move toward door.) 

Travis. May I see you for a minute, Steele ? 

Steele. Certainly, Mr. Travis. 

Travis. (to Cannon) Will you excuse us, 
please ? 

Cannon. For a minute only. But not a second 
longer, eh boys? 

Kent. I should say not. 

Meredith. Not for a second. 

(Cannon, Kent and Meredith exeunt to dining 
room.) 

Travis. 1 thought .we might just as well settle 
matters now. 

Steele. Fnr agreeable. 

Travis. I received your note asking me to see 
you. It means fight, I suppose. 

Steele. I’m not looking for any fight with you, 
Mr. Travis. No matter what my partners may think 
I’m against war with you at any price. 

Travis. But }T)ur 'partners wouldn’t be averse 
to it. 

Steele. Perhaps not. In the proposed amalga- 
mation of the rubber tire companies they think — in 
fact they’re sure — that your firm could be left out 
and that you would have to go to the wall. 

Travis. They’re sure of that, are they? 

Steele. Yes, Mr. Travis, they are ! And so are 
you. 

Travis. They’d find there’s some fight in the old 
man yet. 

Steele. They know how game you are, but the 
odds would be too big. 

Travis. Well? 

Steele. I’m the head of my firm in reality as 
well as name and in the end what I say will go 

Travis. Well? 


16 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Steele. There'll be no fight, Mr. Travis. You'll 
go in — with us. 

Travis. That's understood ? 

Steele. It is. 

Travis. Thank you. (he gives his hand to 
Steele. They clasp hands) I would have put up a 
fight but in the end I should have had to surrender. 
This means a lot to me. 

Steele. And take my word for it, everything will 
be all right. 

Travis. Thank you again. 

Steele. I'm only too glad to be able to do it. 
Shall we go in? 

Travis. Yes. 

(Travis and Steele start' toward dining room. 
Cannon enters.) 

Cannon. Minute's up. 

Travis. And we are on our way. 

Cannon. Good. 

(Travis and Steele enter dining room. Cannon 
starts after them. Maid enters.) 

Maid. Mr. Cannon. 

(Cannon stops.) 

Cannon. Yes ? 

Maid. A gentleman has just sent this card to you. 
(Maid gives card to Cannon. He reads message on 
the hack) 

Cannon. Show the gentleman in. (Maid exits) 

( There is a pause. Duncan Price enters. IHs 
clothes are neat hut not new. Seeing Cannon, 
he assumes an air of good spirits.) 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


17 


Duncan. Hello, Bill. 

Cannon. You’re a fine one, you are. What do 
you mean by deserting and sending a fake telegram 
about business preventing; you don’t suppose anyone 
believed it, do you? 

Duncan. Why should they believe it. I didn’t. 

Cannon. Then why didn’t you come? 

Duncan. Bill, for the past six weeks I’ve been a 
brilliant ornament in the army of the unemployed. 

Cannon. What? 

Duncan. I’ve lost my job. 

Cannon. If you wanted money you could have 
had it from me. 

Duncan. I know, Bill, but I couldn’t ask. I 
really couldn’t. 

Cannon. You’ve got to live. 

Duncan. I can’t live without eating. That’s why 
I’ve walked the streets for days looking for a job. 

Cannon. Without finding one? (Duncan nods) 
That’s tough old man. 

Duncan. You don’t know how tough it is. No- 
body knows till he tries it. 

Cannon. Why don’t you go in for something on. 
your own ? 

(Duncan shakes his head.) 

Duncan. I’ve done that three or four times al- 
ready — that’s where the little money I had has gone. 
And then — I’ve lost my nerve. 

Cannon. Oh, no 

Duncan. Yes, I have ! Besides if I wanted to do 
anything where could I get the capital? I’ve got a 
scheme in mind right now — a great scheme — but it 
would take five thousand dollars to start it and 
ninety-five thousand more to see it through. 

Cannon. Don’t you know anybody who’ll lend it 
to you? 

Duncan. The only people who would lend me 


18 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 

money can’t get out of the asylums to get their check 
books. 

Cannon. Old Dick Carson might. He was a 
friend of your father’s, and he’s got tons of money. 

Duncan. Yes, but he also has a terrible attack of 
banker’s paralysis. Every time you touch his heart 
he can’t open his hand. 

Cannon. Well why don’t you try him ? 

Duncan. I made up my mind to do that this 
morning and went to his office. But when I was face 
to face with him I couldn’t — my courage failed. 

Cannon. Too bad. 

Duncan. This is the way I pictured myself doing 
it. ( he assumes a jaunty manner) “How do you 
do, Mr. Carson. I have called to see you about a 
splendid business proposition which I am sure will 
bring magnificent returns ” — then he said : “ Glad 
to see you my boy. Sit down and we’ll talk it over ” 
— the result being that I left his office with his check 
for five thousand and a promise of the other ninety- 
five. 

Cannon. Well ? 

Duncan. This is what really happened, (he 
assumes a jaunty air as before but soon loses it) 
“ How do you do, Mr. Carson. T — I’ve called to see 
you — I’ve called to see you — ” “ I know that : what 
do you want ? ” “I would — er — like to talk to you — 
I would like to talk to you — ! “ Well? ” “ I would 
— er — like to talk to you — about — er — about — er — ” 
“ Young man — I believe you won the college debating 
prize? ” “ Yes, sir.” “ Well, since it has resulted in 
your present lucidity of thought and fluency of ex- 
pression all I can say is — God help the men who 
lost! Good morning.” (exit Duncan, limping) 

Cannon. If I could raise the money 

Duncan. I’m sure of that Bill, but it wouldn’t do 
any good. It looks as if I’m through. 

Cannon. Don’t, talk rot. 

Duncan. It isn’t rot! (a man's voice is heard 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


19 


singing verse of “ Old Nassau Other voices join in 
chorus. Duncan rises and going to door r. stands 
listening, deeply affected) It’s a wonderful song, 
isn’t it? When we used to sing in college, Bill, how 
bright every tiling seemed — what hopes I had — and 
now — why I’m ashamed to face my friends, I haven’t 
had the heart to see anybody for weeks. I’ve even cut 
out calling on Ethel. 

Cannon. She’s here to-night. 

Duncan. ( rising quickly) Well, I guess I’d better 
be running along. 

Cannon, (he has observed the effect of Ethel’s 
name on the other) Wait a minute, Duncan, Jim 
Meredith has a theory he was telling us about — — 
It fits your case exactly and if it works it will get you 
all the money you need. 

Duncan. I see — He’s found a safe way to rob 
a bank. 

Cannon. No ! No ! Nothing like that ! It’s 
psycho — psycho — I can’t pronounce it. 

Duncan. You bet you can’t. Neither can any- 
body else! 

Cannon. It simply means that any man can win 
out if he won’t lose faith in himself. 

Duncan. But I have lost faith in myself. 

Cannon. You ought to get it back. 

Duncan. Yes, and I ought to get a million dol- 
lars! But I can’t. 

Cannon. If the right girl believes in you don’t 
you think that would help some ? 

Duncan. The right girl. Yes. But there’s no 
such luck for me! No, Bill, I’m through in New 
York anyway. In a few days I’m going out West 
and see what I can do there. 

\ 

(Ethel enters.) 

Ethel. They’ve sent after you Will and — (she 
sees Duncan) Why, Duncan 


20 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Duncan - . Hello, Ethel. 

Ethel. I’m awfully glad to see you. (she goes 
to him and gives him her hand) 

Duncan. I’m glad to see you too. 

Ethel. How can I believe that when you haven’t 
been near me' for weeks? 

Duncan. Well, you see, Ethel, I’ve been awfully 
busy. 

Ethel, (laughing) Busy 

Duncan, (embarrassed) Yes. This is the open 
season in my line and I’m doing my best to get it 
closed. 

(They are forgetting all about Cannon. He comes 
forward. ) 


Cannon. Ethel, did you say you had a message 
for me ? 

Ethel. Yes. I was to take you in to the others at 
once. 

Cannon. Good ! You and I will form a gorgeous 
escort for the triumphant arrival of little Duncan — 
the long lost friend. 

Ethel. We’ll do nothing of the kind. You’ll go 
in alone and you’re not to tell them that Duncan is 
here. I mean to make him explain his desertion of 
me before I permit him to take any part in the 
exercises. 

Cannon. That’s right, Ethel, if he’s wrong make 
him apologize. And if he isn’t- — well, remember 
you’re a woman and make him apologize anyway. 

(He goes out door R. Ethel and Duncan smile at 
each other.) 

Duncan. Well ! 

Ethel. Well 


21 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 

Duncan. I’m awfully glad you kept me back here 
with you. 

Ethel. Why ? 

Duncan. Eve been wanting to have a talk with 
you. 

Ethel. Really ? What about ? 

Duncan. ( taken aback by her directness ) Why — 
er — why — er 

Ethel. Explicit but not quite satisfactory. 

Duncan. The fact is 

Ethel. Well — Pm waiting. 

Duncan. That's what I wanted to talk to you 
about. 

Ethel. What? 

Duncan. Waiting. 

Ethel. Waiting? 

Duncan. (floundering) Why — er — yes! I 
don't mean just ordinary waiting — waiting on the 
table or anything like that — No. I — I mean an- 
other kind of waiting — er — er — waiting for another 
till he's ready — till he can come straight up to you 
and — and— ! Do you know what Pm talking about ? 

Ethel. Certainly ! And everything would de- 
pend on whom I am waiting for — and why? 

Duncan. Would it? 

Ethel. Yes. (there is a pause) Well? 

Duncan. Would you wait for — for ! 

Ethel. Yes? 

Duncan. For, for — Jim Meredith ? 

Ethel. No. 

Duncan. Or Dick Steele? 

Ethel. No. 

Duncan. Or — or 

Ethel. Well? 

Duncan. I haven't the right to say it. 

Ethel. I give you the right. 

Duncan. Ethel 

Ethel. I do. 

Duncan. Do you realize 


22 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. It’s too good to be true! I’ve had so 
much bad luck I can believe in the good when it 
comes. 

Ethel. And you think this is — good luck? 

Duncan. You don’t know. You don’t under- 
stand. Listen Ethel, I haven’t any money or any 
success, but if you’ll promise to wait for me I’m sure 
they’ll come. Why if I were fighting for you I don’t 
believe there is anything I couldn’t do. 

Ethel. Then you may begin right now. 

Duncan. And you’ll wait 

Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. Really ? 

Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. ( radiantly ) It’s wonderful. 

Ethel. On one condition. 

Duncan. It’s wond — ! Condition ! 

Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. . I knew it was too good to be true. 

Ethel. This isn’t a very serious one. 

Duncan. Well — I’m prepared for the worst. 

Ethel. It’s — father. 

Duncan. I told you I was prepared for the worst. 

Ethel. You don’t know how close we’ve always 
been. We haven’t been just father and daughter but 
two dear chums. I don’t believe that either of us 
has ever kept a thought from the other. I can’t 
keep this from him now. 

Duncan. But he mightn’t be interested in a little 
thing like this. 

Ethel. Why Duncan, this is the great happiness 
of my life! And I’ve always promised him that 
when love came he should know so that he could 
share the joy with me. It isn’t as though he’d inter- 
fere — you know he wouldn’t — but I wouldn’t have 
him left out, for the world. You’ll tell him, won’t 
you? 


“ DON’T WEAKEN" 


23 


Duncan. If you insist. 

Ethel. Thank you dear. 

Duncan. I’ll tell him with pleasure — with a 
great deal of pleasure — if you wish it. But when 
do you want me to do it. 

Ethel. Now. 

Duncan. Now ? 

Ethel. Certainly. I don’t want it kept from him 
for an instant. 

Duncan. But Ethel 

Ethel. Oh ! Yes, Duncan, I must have my way 
in this. 

Duncan. ( gloomily ) Well, since you insist — 
very well! ( brightening ) and why not? Since I 
must do it, why not to-night? It looks as though 
you were giving me courage already. 

Ethel. Then I’ll go right in and send him to 
you — that is after you’ve said and done the things 
you’ve forgotten. 

Duncan. ( wonderingly ) The things I’ve for- 

gotten ? 

Ethel. ( smiling ) Yes. Don’t you know what 
they are? I can’t speak from previous experience 
but I’ve always understood that certain formalities 
were always followed in case's like this. 

(He gathers her meaning, and, springing forward, 
clasps her in his arms.) 

Duncan. I love you, dear. I love you better than 
I love my life. 

Ethel. That’s just how I love you. (a kiss. She 
disengages herself) Now I’ll send father to you. 

( she goes to exit R.) 

Duncan. No, no ! 

Ethel. Yes dear, yes. 

Duncan. Not just this very minute? 

Ethel. This very minute, so be Veady. (Ethel 
turns to smile at him) 


24 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Duncan. We, who are about to die, salute you ! 
Ethel. ( laughing ) Nonsense! 

(She goes out door r. Alone , Duncan is very ner- 
vous. Then lights a cigarette, uses two or three 
matches. His eyes fall on whiskey. He goes 
to table l. and nervously mixes himself a high- 
ball. Just as he starts to drink Travis enters 
door R.) 

Travis. Hello Duncan. 

Duncan. (putting down his glass quickly ) 
Hello, Mr. Travis. 

Travis. Finish your drink, don't mind me. 
Duncan, (very nervous) I don't think I care 
for it now. Won't you have it — it'll only spoil. 

Travis. No thanks. But I will take one of those 
cigars. 

Duncan. Certainly, (he takes drink to him) 
Travis. I said cigars. 

Duncan. Of course you did. (puts drink back 
and passes cigar box) 

Travis. Thanks. 

Duncan. Have a match? 

Travis. I've got one. 

Duncan. That's good. I haven't. 

Travis, (passing lighted match) Then I'll give 
you a light. 

Duncan, (lighting cigarette) Thanks. 

Travis. Ethel says you want to talk to me. 
Duncan. Yes. 

Travis. Well? 

Duncan. Why Mr. Travis I — I ! 

Travis. You've asked her to marry you. 

Duncan. Yes sir, and she has promised to wait. 
Travis. If she says she'll wait, she will. 

Duncan. Thank you. 

Travis. Unless you tell her not to. 

Duncan. What! What did you say? 


25 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 

Travis. I said Ethel will wait unless you tell her 
not to. 

Duncan. I couldn’t do that. 

Travis. You ought to do it, Duncan. 

Duncan. But she’s just promised. 

Travis. Had you the right to ask her? 

Duncan. Mr. Travis ! 

Travis. Well, had you? ( there is a pause ) I 
don’t want to hurt you I just want to have a plain, 
honest talk with you. I knew this had to come and 
I’ve been dreading it as I’ve dreaded few things in 
my life for I like you Duncan, sincerely like you, but 
I love Ethel, and I want her to be happy. 

Duncan. And you don’t think she’d be happy 
with me? 

Travis. I know she wouldn’t. You haven’t any 
money. 

Duncan. Money ! Why that’s all 

Travis. Wait ! Don’t say it ! I know what’s in 
your mind, but I don’t mean it in that way. I speak 
of money not for itself but for what it represents. 
The man who makes money proves he has the primary 
qualification for being a husband. He can provide 
for those dependent on him. But what of the' man 
who can’t make it! What does that prove: ( there 
is a pause) And you’ve got to have money to live 
as we live nowadays. Girls are brought up to expect 
too much, and that’s the way I’ve raised Ethel. She’s 
not fit to face poverty and struggle and it’s not her 
fault, it’s' mine. ( there is a pause ) And Duncan, 
you don’t know what this means to a woman. I do. 
Ethel’s mother — ! The good luck didn’t come until 
after she died, if it had I might have saved her. 
That’s an awful thought to go through life with my 
boy. 

Duncan. But I don’t intend to be poor always. 

Travis. It’s nearly ten years since you left col- 
lege — what salary are you getting? ( there is a 


26 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


pause) Why you haven’t even a job ! How much did 
your last one pay? 

Duncan. Twenty-five dollars a week. 

Travis. I pay Ethel’s chauffeur thirty ! Do you 
want hev to share a prospective twenty^five with you ? 
( there is a pause) Or do you expect to live on my 
money ? 

Duncan. No, certainly not. 

Travis. I’m glad of that, for all the men that I 
despise I despise the civilized squaw-man most ! 
(there is a pause) Well, how do you expect to live? 
And how long do you want Ethel to wait? And — 
for what — (there is a pause) Everything rests 
with you. And if she marries you I shall of course 
see that she has enough to live on, and you of coarse 
will be included. 

Duncan. No. I tell you, no. 

Travis. Then if you love her, if you’re thinking 
of Ethel and not of yourself, don’t you see there’s 
only one thing to do — (there is a pause) I know 
Ethel and if you tell her to wait she’ll do it. What 
I ask is that you be honest with yourself and fair to 
her. It’s up to you. 

Duncan, (bitterly) I knew it couldn’t last. I 
knew it. 

Travis. I can understand your bitterness, my boy, 
but better a small drink of it now than a long 
draught for both of you later, (there is a pause) 
You’ll do it? (pause) Will you? 

Duncan. What else can I do? 

Travis. And — you’ll tell her? 

Duncan. Tell her — tell Ethel that 

Travis. Yes. 

Duncan. I couldn’t. 

Travis. She’ll have to know. 

Duncan. I’ll write to her. 

Travis. When you start out to play a hand, play 
it through ! Tell her 

Duncan. I — I couldn’t. 


27 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 

Travis. The quicker it’s over, the better for both 
of you. 

Duncan. She’d hate me. 

Travis. That might make it easier for her ! I’ll 
call her. 

Duncan. No Mr. Travis — no. 

(Travis goes to door r. and caHs off.) 

Travis. Ethel, come here a minute please. 
(Travis comes on stage ) Now is the chance for 
you to show what you are made of. 

(Ethel enters R.) 

Ethel. Well, father, did Duncan tell you. 

Travis. Yes. 

Ethel. I’m so glad. ( she goes to Duncan) I 
told you dear that — 'that ! ( she observes Dun- 
can’s expression and attitude) What is it? What’s 
wrong? Duncan! Duncan what is it? 

Duncan. The whole thing is a mistake Ethel — 
all a mistake. 

Ethel. A — mistake ! 

Duncan. I had no right to ask you to wait. 

Ethel. I gave you the right. 

Duncan. That makes no difference. 

Ethel. Father, if you have 

Duncan. It’s not your father that has changed 
me. I’ve just realized the truth. I couldn’t take 
care of you ! I’m — afraid ! 

Ethel. Afraid ! 

Duncan. Of the future. 

Ethel. But if, in spite of that I am willing to 
wait? 

Duncan. No. 

Ethel. Duncan — I am willing. 

Duncan. No. 

Ethel. You — you don’t want me to wait ? 


28 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Duncan. No. 

Ethel. But Duncan 

Duncan. Please! (Duncan turns away) 

Ethel. Father ! 

Travis. Shall we join the others dear? 

Ethel. No. I couldn’t go back there. T want to 
go home. I want to go — now 

Travis. Very well dear. 

Ethel. Good-night, Duncan. 

Duncan. Good-night, Ethel. (Ethel exits l.) 

Travis. Good-night my boy— I’m sorry, but 
you’ve done the right thing. (Travis exits l. ) 
(Duncan stares straight before him. There is a 
pause. Then he laughs grimly. His eyes fall on 
the drink he poured out for himself. He seizes 
it and drinks it at a gulp. Cannon enters with 
Marvin r. Cannon sees Duncan, calls Mar- 
vin’s attention to him and in pantomime urges 
Marvin on.) 

Cannon. Here he is, Sam, little Duncan, the boy 
wonder. 

Marvin. Hello, Duncan. 

Duncan. Hello, Sam. 

Cannon. Well, what’s the matter — you look like 
the father of all the glooms. 

Duncan. That’s a fine theory of Jim Meredith’s 
isn’t it. I followed it — and the Travis family have 
gone home. 

Cannon. Well, I didn’t guarantee that it would 
work, did I? 

" Marvin. Stop squabbling. I have to catch that 
midnight train and before I go I want to talk to 
Duncan. I’ve got some news for him. 

Duncan. Some news for me? 

Marvin. Yes. 

Duncan. Who’s dead? 

Marvin. This is good news 

Duncan.' Then it’s a lie. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 


29 


Cannon. For heaven’s sake tell him quick, Sam, 
before he turns on the' gas. 

Marvin. It’s confidential. 

Cannon. All right. I won’t tell a soul. 

Marvin. You’re in hard luck, aren’t you, 
Duncan ? 

Duncan. Hard luck ! If a little bit of good 
luck — only that much — were to come into my life, 
it would loom up like a red vest at a funeral. 

Marvin. That’s my excuse for doing what I’m 
going to do, though it’s scarcely professional. Under 
the circumstances, however, I think I’m justified. 

Duncan. Well? 

Marvin. You remember your Uncle Malcolm who 
died in Alaska ? 

Duncan. T asked you who was dead. 

Marvin. Do you remember him? 

Duncan. Certainly I do! The crankiest and 
Grossest man that ever lived. I hated the sight of 
him. 

Marvin. Well, when he died in Seattle two years 
ago he left a fortune of two million dollars. 

Cannon. Left two million dollars? 

Duncan. Yes, and he left all of Alaska, too. Stop 
trying to kid me. 

Marvin. I’m not trying to kid you. I’m telling 
you the truth. 

Duncan. You mean Uncle Malcolm really left 
two million dollars? (Marvin nods) But I was 
his only heir — that is if he didn’t marry out there. 
But I’ll bet that’s just what he did do. I’ll bet he 
married a Squaw. 

Marvin. He was unmarried when he died and he 
left you his entire fortune. 

Duncan. I never heard of it. 

Marvin. Precisely what your Uncle wanted. 

Duncan. Then he got his wish. 

Marvin. He had an idea that the possession of a 


30 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


lot of money before he was thirty-five was apt to 
ruin a man's prospects. 

Cannon. There's something in that. 

Duncan. I'm willing to take chances. 

Marvin. He thought it would make him sit down 
and stop trying— in other words, throttle all that 
was best in him, so he made a secret deed of trust in 
which it was stipulated that you were to have no 
knowledge of his gift until it was paid to you on your 
thirty-fifth birhday — three years from now. The 
papers happened to be in the office of my firm out 
there in Seattle, so I knew about it- — and knowing 
of your hard luck I am certain that your Uncle 
would want you to learn what was in store for you — 
to sort of cheer you up. 

Duncan. Well, that's quite an ingenious story. In 
fact it's a damn good story. Why don't you get it 
printed. 

Marvin. It's the truth. 

Duncan. Prove it. 

Marvin. How ? 

Duncan. Lend me five thousand dollars. 

Marvin. I haven't that much money. And you 
can't borrow against this trust fund. 

Duncan. Of course I can't. (to Cannon) 
What did I tell you? 

Marvin. Duncan, there's no use in adopting that 
tone. I meant what I said. You are the heir to two 
million dollars. 

Duncan. Not really? 

Marvin. Beally. 

Duncan. Two millions ? 

Marvin. Yes. 

Duncan. Two mill ! (he pours another 

drink and takes it) Now say it again and say it slow. 

Marvin. You are the heir to two million dol- 
lars which you get when you are thirty-five. 

Duncan. Good Lord! 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


31 


Cannon. Congratulations old man ! Congratula- 
tions ! (he shakes Duncan’s hand) 

Duncan. (dazed) I get two million dollars 
when I’m thirty-five, if in the meantime, I don’t 
starve to death. 

Cannon. No fear of that ! 

Marvin. Well, I’m off. 

Duncan. No. Tell me more about Uncle Mai, 
dear good old Uncle Mai. He ’vyas the kindest- 
hearted fellow 

Marvin. Not another word. I’ve got to go down, 
get into a taxi and hurry to the Grand Central 
station. 

Cannon. Aren’t you going to say good-bye? 

Marvin. Said it in there. Good-bye you fel- 
lows. 

Cannon. Good-bye, Sam. 

Duncan. Good-bye old man ! Say, let me give 
you a little kiss. 

Marvin. I should say not. Good-bye. (Marvin 
exits l.) 

Duncan. Two million dollars ! — two million — 
Oh I shall wake up in a minute. 

Cannon. It must be all right; Sam wouldn’t 
fool } r ou like that. 

Du,ncan. That’s true. He wouldn’t! Well I’ll 
show some of these fellows now. I’ll show ’em ! 
First of all I’ve got to get that five thousand dol- 
lars. Yes, and I’ll get it too! 

(Meredith and Steele enter r. talking.) 

Meredith. Why there’s Duncan, good old Dun- 
can. 

Dungan. How are you Jim old fellow. 

(Meredith and Duncan shake hands enthusias- 
tically. ) 


32 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Steele. Hello Price. 

Duncan. Hello Steele ! 

Meredith. I'm glad to see you Duncan, awfully 
glad. _ . 

Duncan. Same here. I was just going to send 
in for you ! Jim, lend me five thousand dolllars? 
Meredith. What ? 

Duncan. Lend me five thousand dollars. 

(Steele begins to go cautiously to exit l. ) 

Meredith. That's a lot of money. 

Duncan. Don't be foolish. 

Meredith. But it is. 

Duncan. Well I've simply got to have it, and 

if ! (he sees Steele who is near the exit. 

Steele stops. To Meredith) I won’t take no for 
an answer. 

Meredith. Come to my office in the morning 
and talk it over. 

Duncan. I want this money — to-night — now ! 
Meredith. But I have no checks here. 

Duncan. Will has. Haven't you Will? 

Cannon. You bet I have. (Cannon goes to 
drawer and takes out check-book) Here you are. 

Meredith. But really ! » 

Duncan. Now, Jim. NOW, now. 

Cannon. Oh let him have it. You said he only 
needed confidence and you can see he's got that. 
If you have any faith in your theory, back it up. 

Duncan. Yes Jim. Show your faith by your 
works, and back it up. 

Meredith. All right, I will. 

Duncan. Fine. 

Cannon. Immense ! 

Steele. Ha ! 

(Meredith sits down to write the check. Marjorie, 
Kent and Mrs. Kent enter r.) 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


33 


Marj. Why have you men deserted us? 

Duncan. Hello Marjorie. 

Marj. How do you do Duncan, I'm so glad you 
came. 

Duncan. Mrs. Kent. 

Mrs. Kent. Mr. Price. 

Duncan. How are you Kentie? 

Kent. Hello Duncan old scout. You did come 
after all. 

Duncan. I came on a matter of business. 

Kent, Marj., Mrs. Kent. Business? 

Duncan. I'm just closing up a little deal with 
my friend Jim here. {to . Meredith) Almost 
finished ? 

Meredith. Yes. (Meredith rises with check in 
his hand) 

Duncan. Thank you. (Duncan takes the check) 
And now if you will excuse me 

Kent. But I say Duncan 

Marj. Going so soon? 

Duncan. Must, so as to be up bright and early 
in the morning. I have a hard day ahead of me to- 
morrow! Good-night everybody. 

Kent, Marj., Mrs. Kent. Good-night! 

(Duncan takes Meredith's hand and shakes it.) 

Duncan. Thank you Jim, thank you! {to Can- 
non) Good-bye Bill. 

Cannon. Good-bye Dune. (Duncan goes to 
exit l.) 

Duncan. Steele old fellow stand aside if you 
please. Stand aside andCmake way for a regular 
business man. (Duncan exits l. briskly) 


CURTAIN. 


34 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


ACT II. 

Scene: — The scene is the same as in Act L The 
time is late afternoon some four weeks later . 
The stage is empty. After a brief pause the 
telephone rings. The Maid enters and goes to 
the 'phone. 

Maid. (at 'phone) Hello! (pause) Yes. 
(pause) I’ll see if Mrs. Cannon is in. Who is call- 
ing her please? (Mrs. Cannon enters) Wait just 
a moment please. 

Mrs. C. Who is it Bessie ? 

Maid. Mr. Steele ma’am. He wants to speak to 
you. 

Mrs. C. Very well. (Mrs. C. takes 'phone. 
Maid exits) Hello. Is this you Dick? (pause) 
Yes this is Majorie. (pause) Ethel is out just -now. 
She’s gone for a walk but I’m sure she’ll be back 
soon, (pause) Do come, (pause) Of course she’ll 
be glad to see you. (pause) Oh don’t be down- 
hearted. (pause) You know I’m your friend at any 
rate, (pause) I’m glad of that. (Cannon enters 
from, hall unheard by Mrs. C.) (pause) And you’ll 
come? (pause) Good, (pause) She’ll be back 
soon I’m sure, (pause) I’m so glad you’re coming! 
Good-bye. (Mrs. Cannon puts up 'phone turns 
and sees Cannon) Hello dear. 

Cannon. Hello, Marjorie ! ’Phoning Dick Steele 
to come over and see Ethel ? 

Mrs. C. Yes. 

Cannon. I thought so. Ever since Ethel’s father 
went on his hunting trip and Ethel came to stay with 


35 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 

us I have noticed that Steele’s visits here have been 
quite regular. 

Mrs. C. Why shouldn’t he come to see Ethel ? 

Cannon. There’s no reason that I can think of 
except — Duncan. 

Mrs. C. How does anyone know he cares for 
Ethel. 

Cannon. Now dear ! 

Mrs. C. She told me herself that she hasn’t seen 
or heard from him for more than a month — since 
that night Jim Meredith loaned him the five thou- 
sand dollars. Have you heard from him since then ? 

Cannon. No. Nobody has. 

Mrs. C. Really? 

Cannon. Nobody. 

Mrs. C. You don’t mean ! 

Cannon. I mean exactly what I said. Since that 
night Duncan has just — disappeared. 

Mrs. C. Well ! 

Cannon. We’re all greatly worried about him ! 
Jim Meredith called me on the ’phone this morning 
to talk about it and I arranged for him and Roland 
Kent to call here on their way home, and discuss the 
matter. They’re liable to be here any minute, now. 

Mrs. C. Please don’t ask them to stay to dinner. 
Sam Marvin is dining with us to-night and I have 
squabs for only four. 

Cannon. I see. 

(Maid appears. Meredith and Kent enter.) 

Meredith. Hello Will. 

Cannon. Hello Jim. (Cannon shakes hands 
with Kent) 

Meredith. You’re looking fine, Marjorie. 

Mrs. C. Thank you Jim! And how are you 
Roland ? 

Kent. Splendid thank you. 

Mrs. C. And your wife? How’s she? 


36 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Kent. What ! 

Mrs. €. Your wife — How is she? 

Kent. Variable. She is expecting a letter from 
her mother and if it comes it is sure to mean squally 
weather and a choppy sea. 

Meredith. I am getting into Mrs. Kent's good 
graces. She's invited me to dinner to-night. 

(Cannon looks pleased.) 

Mrs. C. Splendid! 

Kent. I'm not quite sure what meat we are go- 
ing to have, but if — that letter came I know the 
salad will be poison ivy. 

Cannon. Three dear 

Mrs. C. Certainly. (Mrs. C. exits) 

Kent. My wife doesn't approve of my drinking 
before dinner. Her poor dear mamma on^e said — - 

Meredith. Let's cut the domesticity and get 
down to cases. 

Cannon. Good ! 

Meredith. Now as regards Duncan I have a 
theory 

Kent. Let’s can the theories and get down to 
facts. 

Cannon. Good again. 

Kent. When you slipped Dune that five thousand 
you said he would run it into a fortune over night ! 
And what happened? 

Meredith. I don't know. 

Kent. That's the first time I've heard you admit 
there was anything you didn't know. Shake ! (Kent 
shakes Meredith's hand) 

Cannon. What's the matter with you? 

Meredith. That's what I'd like to know. 

Kent. I'm sore because he gave up that money 
to Duncan. Since then he has disappeared com- 
pletely. Not a soul has either seen or heard from 
him. (to Cannon) That's true, isn't it? 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


37 


Cannon. Yes. 

Kent. Well there you are. 

Meredith. You don’t mean you think that Dun- 
can deliberately took the five thousand and — and 

Kent. No! Certainly not! 

Meredith. Because if you had thought it there 
was going to be trouble right here. 

Cannon. Yes, and with me too. 

Kent. I meant that Dune had lost the money and 
so was ashamed to show himself. 

Meredith. It wasn’t your money: what are you 
worrying about? 

Kent. About Dune ! Where is he? What has be- 
come of him ? You know how he was feeling. 
Why — if he has lost it — even now he might be — 
be — Good God fellows do you realize where he 
might be? 

Meredith. I hadn’t thought of it in that way 

Cannon. I had. 

Kent. I’ve been thinking of it for days. It’s got 
on my nerves a bit too. (to Meredith) If I was 
a little abrupt just now old man I’m sorry 

Meredith. That’s all right. 

Cannon. Wouldn’t it be tough on Duncan though 
particularly with that inheritance due in two years. 

Kent. Yes. 

Meredith. There is no inheritance. 

Kent. What ? 

Cannon. No inheritance? 

Meredith. No. 

Cannon. But I heard Sam Marvin tell Duncan 
about it myself. 

Meredith. Yes, I arranged it. 

Cannon. You arranged it? 

Meredith. Exactly. I invented the entire thing 
so as to give Duncan confidence in himself and Sam 
helped it along by telling the story. 

Cannon. On the strength of it you loaned Dun- 
can five thousand dollars. 


38 


"DON’T WEAKEN” 


Meredth. I had to. 

Kent. Well you can kiss that five thousand good- 
bye. 

Meredith. Don’t be too sure. I know my theory 
is right and I know Duncan. Why I wouldn’t be 
surprised to see him turn up any day with some- 
thing really big. 

Cannon. You’re a marvel Jim and your opti- 
mism is wonderful. 

{Door hell rings.) 

Kent. That’s what it is. If Jim had been wrecked 
in Lake Michigan and was drowning, just as he went 
down for the last time he’d be thinking how lucky 
he was that the water wasn’t salt. 

Meredith. And why not ? That’s what I’d- like 
to know. Why not? 

(Maid appears.) 

Maid. Mr. Steele ! 

(Steele enters. Maid exits. Steele is surprised at 
seeing others.) 

Steele. Hello fellows! 

Cannon. Hello Dick. 

Meredith. Hello Steele. 

Kent. How de. 

Steele. What is this — a conference of the 
powers 

Cannon. Yes in a way. 

Steele, {to Cannon) How’s the wife? 

Cannon. Splendid, thanks. 

Steele. And Mrs. Kent? 

Kent. Well but emotional. (Kent looks at 
watch. To Meredith) We’ll have to be moving 
pretty soon. She’s expecting us at four fifty-six. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


39 


Steele. Why so exact ? 

Kent. Mrs. Kent has a schedule. I leave the 
office every day at four, get to the subway at three 
minutes past, take the express which reaches our sta- 
tion at four twenty-one and then take five minues to 
walk home which makes it four twenty-six. She al- 
lowed me thirty minutes for this call which makes 
it four fifty-six. 

Meredith. Good lord, she isn’t a wife, she’s a 
time-table. 

Cannon. Don’t accidents ever happen? 

Kent. Of course — some times on the level, too ! 
Say fellows, last Thursday. Last Thursday there 
was a flood which tied up the subway and the surface 
cars for over three hours. Ah! (Kent sighs ec- 
statically. The others look at each other) 

Meredith. ( humming ) No wedding bells for 
me. I’m as happy as can be. 

Kent. Cut that Jim. 

Meredith. All right old chap. 

Kent. You and Dick being bachelors don’t un- 
derstand. 

(Meredith and Steele look at each other and laugh. 

Ethel enters dressed for a walk.) 

Ethel. Good afternoon everybody. This is a 
surprise. ( there are general greetings) 

Meredith. Isn’t she looking well. 

Steele. Splendid. 

Kent. Yes, indeed. 

Ethel. Thank you. 

Meredith. And how is your father? 

Ethel. I haven’t heard for two days and can’t 
hear again for another week or even more. 

Meredith. How’s that? 

Ethel. Father’s in the wilds, right away from 
civilization, hunting big game up in Canada, where 


40 


"DON’T WEAKEN.” 


there’s neither telephone, telegraph nor rural de- 
livery. 

Meredith. I wish I was there. 

Kent. So do I. 

(Marjorie enters.) 

Marj. Glad to see you Dick. 

Steele. Same to you. 

Marj. Hello, Ethel dear. 

Ethel. Marjorie. 

Marj. (to others) They are awaiting you in 
the dining room. 

Cannon. Then come along. 

Meredith. You bet. 

Kent. It is now four thirty-eight. I shall just 
have time ! 

Meredith. To come with us. 


(Meredith, Kent and Cannon talking ad lib ex- 
eunt to dining room.) 

Mrs. C. I think I’ll prepare one for you as well. 
Would you like me to? 

Steele. Very much indeed. 

Mrs. C. Then — I will. (Mrs. C. exits) 

Steele. Have a nice walk? 

Ethel. Very. 

Steele. You didn’t wear my flowers. 

Ethel. I appreciate them just the same. 

Steele. That’s something anyway. 

Ethel. You’ve been very kind to me lately. 
Steele. I want to be. 

Ethel. And you were very kind to father, too. 
Steele. Why not? 

Ethel. He told me about it. He said that if it 
had come to a fight you would probably have wiped 
him out but that instead of fighting you’ve taken him 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


41 


in with you. It was splendid of you and I’ve wanted 
to thank yon. 

Steele. Don’t try. 

Ethel. It meant so much to him. He’s been at 
the head of his own firm so long that to have it go 
under would have broken his heart. 

Steele. Well, it isn’t going under. It’s going to 
be bigger and more prosperous than ever. 

Ethel. I’m so glad. 

Steele. I’ll tell yon something I haven’t breathed 
to a soul. 

Ethel. Yes. 

Steele. A process has been invented which will 
entirely revolutionize the rubber tire business, and 
wipe the present methods of manufacturing righ,t out 
of existence. And I have control of it, or shall have 
it at half -past eight to-night when the man who owns 
it calls on me at my appartment to sell it. Do you 
realize what it means. We’ll control the business ot 
the entire country and your father will be in with us. 

Ethel. It’s fine of you to be so kind to him. 

Steele. I’m not doing it for your father. 

Ethel. No ? 

Steele. I’m doing it for you. ( there is a pause) 


I love you. 

Ethel. Please. 

Steele. I do, Ethel, with all my heart. 

Ethel. I’m sorry. 

Steele. That means you won’t marry me. 

Ethel. I can’t. 

Steele. Haven’t I any chance? (Ethel shakes 
her head slowly) None? 

Ethel. I’m terribly sorry. To hurt one who has 
been so kind, who only a minute ago was telling me of 
the splendid things he was going to do for us, who — 

who ! ( there is a pause) This won’t make any 

difference will it ? 

Steele. I told you I was doing it — for you 

( there is a pause) 


42 


"DON'T WEAKEN” 


Ethel. I see. 

Steele. I'll tell you the real facts. My partners 
have been against taking in your father from the be- 
ginning, they knew it wasn’t good business, but 1 
finally put it up to them as an ultimatum and — I 
won. If I say the word he comes in and there’s a 
community of interest; what I want is, that the 
community of interest be — entire. 

Ethel. And if it isn’t? ( there is a pause ) 1 

understand. 

Steele. Don’t think too harshly of me. A man 
must fight with the weapon that he has ! ( there is 

a pause ) Won’t you think it over for a while. 
Please 

Ethel. I must. 

Steele. Thank you. 

Ethel. And now if you’ll excuse me — (she picks 
up her coat and exits ) 

( There is a brief pause. Kent, Meredith and Can- 
non enter talking ad lib. Cannon carries a 
cocktail in a glass which he gives to Steele who 
drinks it.) 

Cannon. Good ? 

Steele. Fine. 1 needed it, too. 

Meredith. Marjorie certainly (an mix a cock- 
tail. 

Kent. Mine was about the best I ever tasted. 
(Kent takes a small box from his vest pocket and 
puts some small candies — sen sen — or something of 
the kind — in his mouth. There is a pause. Kent 
places one of the candies between his thumb and 
forefinger and holds it up) Small but precious ! I 
call it — the peace-maker ! 

Meredith. Your wife. (Kent nods) 

Kent. She can scent a cocktail at a hundred 
paces! ( looks at watch) I think we had better be 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


43 


Meredith. We’ve plenty of time. 

Cannon - . Certainly. 

Meredith. Even if we were a little late what 
would it matter ? 

Kent. Nothing! Nothing at all! 

Meredith. There you^are. 

Kent. Still (Kent takes out the candy and 

eats another piece. Steele laughs at him quietly) 

Cannon. You’ve got to stay till we make up our 
minds what we are going to do about Duncan. 

Meredith. Right. 

Kent. ' But my wife expects me to 

Steele. Why not ’phone her and get her to extend 
your parole 

Kent. Parole! See here, Steele if ! 

Mekedith. He didn’t mean parole, he meant re- 
prieve. 

Kent. Repri Say what do you think I am? 

Meredith. I think you’re the best tamed half- 
back in Captivity. “ Step up ladies and gentlemen 
and see the once ferocious beast eat out of the little 
lady’s hand.” 

Kent. Is that so ? 

Meredith. Yes it is and you know it. 

Kent. Well, that’s my business. 

Cannon. Steele’s suggestion is a splendid one. 
Why not ’phone her and see if you can’t get your 
paro — reprie — get it extended. 

Meredith. We’ve got to do something definite 
about Duncan and dinner isn’t till seven any way. 

Cannon. So go oil — ’phone. 

Steele. Yes — do 

Meredith. If you have the nerve 

Kent. All right, I will. (Kent goes bravely to 
’phone. Briskly) Give me River 041. Yes. River 
041 — and hurry, (pause) Is this River 041. Please 
ask Mrs. Kent! ( pause — in changed tone) Oh it’s 
you is it Baby ! (pause) Yes this is Rollie. (pause) 
Of course I recognized your voice, (pause) What! 


44 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Certainly not! How could you even suggest such a 
thing, (he eats another candy ) I am at Will Can- 
non’s. The matter we’re talking over is very im- 
portant and I want you to give me half an hour 
longer, (pause) Fifteen minutes, please — (pause) 
All right then darling — ten minutes. Thank you, 
sweetheart — (pause) Good-bye Baby! Good-bye — 
(he replaces receiver) There. It’s all right. 

Cannon. Then let’s get down to business. 

Meredith. What about Duncan. 

Steele. Well, what about him? 

Meredith. Are we going to do anything definite 
about finding out what has become of him or aren’t 
we? 

Steele. What can we do, advertise? 

Kent. Don’t be absurd. 

Steele. Or put deteitives on his trail? 

Meredith. Rot. 

Steele. Then don’t you see there’s nothing for us 
to do? If anything has happened to him we’ll learn 
it soon enough but if nothing has happened, he’ll 
thank us to mind our own business. 

Cannon. There’s something in that. 

Steele. I know Duncan. 

Meredith. I feel that something should be done 
but I don’t exactly see what. 

Kent. Well, since the matter’s settled I think we’d 
better be moving along. 

Cannon. What’s your hurry. Yonr wife extended 
your time — (door hell rings) 

Kent. Just the same' she likes me to be home. 

Meredith. On the level, now, do you love your 
wife or are you afraid of her? 

Kent. Of course I’m not afraid of my wife. 

Steele. Oh, certainly not. 

Kent. Well, I’m not. 

Steele. That’s what I said. 


(Maid appears.) 


"DON’T WEAKEN.” 


45 


Maid. Mr. Price. 

(Duncan enters briskly and wearing fashionable 
and expensive clothes.) 

Duncan. Hello, fellows. 

(They alt greet him characteristically and bring him 
down stage the center of the group, when this is 
finished Meredith speaks.) 

Meredith. And now tell us where you’ve been 
these four weeks. 

Duncan. I have been honoring with my presence 
the busy marts of trade. 

Steele. Doing what? 

Duncan. Ah — that would be telling. 

Meredith. Well, where is my five thousand. 

Duncan. The prisoner refuses to answer. 

Kent. I know where it is. Look at him, he’s 
spent it for clothes. 

Duncan. Oh, no! I haven’t put up a cent for 
these. 

Cannon. You got them on credit? 

Dttncan. Certainly, and other things, too. Boys, 
all you need to make you succeed in life is just one 
thi n g — r onfi dence. 

Meredith. What did I tell you, eh? What did 
I tell you. 

Steele. Have you really been working ? 

Duncan. Of course. Look at this knife? (he 
produces the various articles as he mentions them) 
It’s a self— sharpeper and can’t possibly get dull. 
Also the secret process that we have of oxidization 
prevents the blade from rusting under any and all 
circumstances. Cut whatever you please with it, 
fruit, wood, or anything — and it will neither rust 
nor dull. Why boys, there’s a fortune in it. 

Kent. You — you don’t mean to say — — 


46 


“DON'T WEAKEN.” 


Meredith. Duncan, old man r 

Duncan. One moment, please, (he takes out a 
watch and shows it to Steele) What is that ? 
Steele. It looks like a watch. 

Duncan. And it is a watch, a watch with our 
patent indestructible works. That watch gentlemen, 
can neither be injured nor destroyed. Heat cannot 
affect it and cold cannot influence it. Freeze this 
watch in a solid cake of ice, and what do you think 
will happen. What? 

Kent. I know, it will melt the ice. 

Duncan. It will keep time just as it did before. 
Neither the heat of the tropics nor the cold of the 
frozen north will cause it to vary a single second. 
Also its works have been demagnetized and in this 
way the subtle influence of the magnetic poles has 
been overcome. Also, as I said before, the works are 
indestructible. Drop it on the ground and it does not 
affect it in the slightest degree. Should the baby 
find it and use it as a hammer — in this way — (he 
pounds the watch on the table) it will keep time ex- 
actly as before! And so we have here gentlemen, an 
indestructible, nonmagnetic, unvariable time-piece, 
with a movement adjusted to three positions, to tem- 
perature and to isochionism, cased in a single-joint 
case of special design thinner by one and two-thirds 
millimeters than the ordinary watch and made to sell 
at retail for the petty, paltry and insignificant sum 
of fifty cents. Imagine gentlemen, imagine the 
money there is in that! (he extends his hand with 
the watch on his open palm. There is a pause) 
Meredith. Say? I’m getting dizzy. 

Cannon. But Duncan, I should like to know ! 

Duncan. And then again ! Ha, ha ! Ah, ha ! 
(Duncan looks from one to the other smiling signifi- 
cantly. Then he produces a mechanical toy , winds it 
up and then lets it run either on the floor or on the 
table) Gentlemen, words are unnecessary! 


"DON'T WEAKEN.” 


47 


Kent, {to Meredith) Come on, let’s go home. 

Steele. But Price ! 

Cannon. See here, Duncan 

Duncan. And then once more ! I have here ! 

Cannon. We don’t care what you have. 

Duncan. But I should like to show you a 

Meredith. You’ll show us nothing. 

Kent. No. 

Duncan. I have here a patent, self-ad justible 

Meredith. Oh shut up do you hear? Shut up! 
Cannon. Yes, for heaven’s sake do. 

Kent. Or if you have to make a noise, at least 
put the muffler on. 

Duncan. All right ! Very well ! But when in the 
near future, you hear of the stupendous fortunes 
which you are now calmly throwing aside, don’t say 
that I didn’t give you the first chance at them ; that 
is all 4 ask — don’t blame me. 

(Meredith, Kent and Cannon show their relief.) 


Steele. Honestly now, do you mean to tell me 
that you’re peddling those things? 

Duncan. Peddling? No, indeed. I am pro- 
moting them. 

Meredith. Promoting ! 

Duncan. Exactly. 

Meredith. With my money. 

Duncan. Oh no ! That has been invested in a 
proposition which is undoubtedly the biggest and 
most colossal thing in the business world to-day. Pll 
tell you a little about it. You see ! 

Meredith. You’ll tell us nothing. Do you hear 
— nothing ! 

Duncan. You don’t wish to know? 

Meredith. I do not. 

Duncan. All right. Have it your own way. 

Meredith. It’s enough for me to hear that my 
money’s gone. 


48 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


Duncan. Not gone, Jim, invested. 

Meredith. It’s the same thing. (Meredith 
turns away to Kent) 

Duncan. Not always. 

Kent, (to Meredith) What do yon think of 
yonr theory now? 

Meredith, (to Kent) I was wrong, but you 
needn’t rub it in. ( Meredith sits down in dis- 
gust) 

Duncan. Is it always the same thing Steele ? 

Steele. Nearly always but not quite! Occas- 
ionally such, a thing turns out big. For instance, to- 
night I am to meet a man who has an option on an 
invention which will completely revolutionize the 
automobile tire business. 

Duncan. Eeally ? 

Steele. Yes. 

Duncan. How much bonus do you think the man 
who has secured the option ought to get for it ? 

Steele. It all depends on the man. 

Duncan. I see. 

Steele. No matter what it’s worth I’ll bet that 
I don’t pay him more than ten thousand for it. 

Duncan. How much will you bet? 

Steele. Anything you like. Shall we say a hun- 
dred? 

Duncan. Piker. 

Steele. Five hundred. 

Duncan. Too small to bother with. 

Steele. A thousand? 

Duncan. Now you’re talking. You bet me a 
thousand dollars that you don’t pay more than ten 
thousand bonus to the man who has the option on the 
invention. 

Steele. That’s it exactly. 

Duncan. You’re on. 

Steele. Then put up your money. ( Steele takes 
out his pocketbook) 

Duncan. You bet I will. (Duncan goes to 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 49 

Meredith) Jim Loan me a thousand dollars 

to bet Steele with. 

Meredith, {gasps) What? 

Duncan - . Loan me a thousand dollars to bet 
Steele with. 

Kent. He has confidence all right. 

Duncan. But this is a sure thing — absolutely. 
Meredith. Don’t bother me. Pm busy. 

DuncAn. But it is I tell you. We can’t lose. 
Meredith. And why can’t we lose? 

Duncan. Because I am the man who has the 
option. 

Meredith. What ! 

Cannon. You ! 

Duncan. Yes. 

CAnn6n. Do you mean it? 

Duncan. I certainly do. 

Steele. Are you the man I was to meet? 
Duncan. I am. That’s the reason I wouldn’t 
give my name. 

Meredith. And you mean it — you really mean 
it? 

Duncan. Of course. I don’t joke about business. 
I have the control of the process that Steele wants. 
That’s what I put your money into. 

Meredith. You see, I knew I was right all the 
time ! Some business man, eh ; boys? 

Duncan. When I met you to-night- — T came 
here to ask Will — if he would go with me and act as 
my attorney. Will you act for me, Will? 

Cannon. I should say I would. 

Duncan. Then so far as I am concerned we might 
as well begin negotiations right now. 

Meredith, (to Kent) Some business man! 
Kent, (to Meredith) That’s so. 

Duncan. Well ? 

Steele. All right. 

Duncan. How much? 

Steele. You know of course that the practica- 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


he process has not been entirely established, 
still a grave element of uncertainty; this 
as yet in a very broad sense, speculative, 
there is also ! 

Duncan. Just a moment if you please, Mr. 
Steele. 

Steele. Well? 

Duncan. We are both business men and time is 
valuable to us, so why waste it in useless prelimin- 
aries. The matter resolves itself into this very simple 
proposition: — I have something for sale. If you 
don't want to buy, negotiations close here and now ; 
if you do want to buy, make a bid, and I'll take it 
under consideration. That's all there is to it, and 
conversation on either side won't change the price a 
cent. 

Meredith. Another Daniel come to judgment ! 

Duncan. Well, Mr. Steele? 

Steele. I'll give you a bonus of five thousand 
dollars. (Duncan shakes his head) Ten thou- 
sand — (Duncan shakes his head ) It's a lot of 
money. 

Duncan. , To some people. 

Steele. Fifteen thousand. (Duncan shakes his 
head) Twenty. (Duncan shakes his head) 

Meredith, (to Kent) That is a lot of money. 

Steele. Set a figure on it, then. What is your 
lowest price? 

Duncan. One hundred thousand dollars. 

Steele. One hundred thousand dollars? 

Duncan. Precisely. 

Steele. Eidiculous. 

Duncan. You asked my price, I have given it to 
you. 

Kent, (to Meredith) He has confidence all 
right. 

Meredith, (to Kent) Yes, but he needn’t be 
foolish. 

Steele. I'll tell you what I'll do. This is my 



51 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


best and final offer. I’ll give you twenty-five thorn 
sand. 

Duncan. If that is really your final offer don’t 
let me detain you. 

Cannon. Twenty-five thousand is twenty-five 
thousand. 

Meredith. That’s what it is. And if I were you 
Duncan- 

Duncan. Excuse me, but I am handling this 
. affair 

Meredith. But Dune 

Duncan. Please, Jim. (to Steele) Well? 

Steele. Twenty-five thousand, or I’m through. 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. Then good-bye. 

Duncan. Good-bye, old man. 


(Steele goes to exit.) 

Steele. I’m sorry Duncan. 

Duncan. The exits are marked by the red lights. 

Steele. All right. The deal is off. Steele 
exits) 

Cannon. Don’t let him get into the street. 

Duncan. Don’t worry about that. 

Meredith. After all it’s your first deal and you 
mustn’t expect too much. 

Duncan. I don’t, (the street door slams) 

Meredith. There ! He’s gone ! 

Duncan. Only to walk a block or two so as to 
give himself time to cool off and come back. 

Cannon. I’m not so sure. 

Duncan. I am. In less than two minutes the 
doorbell will ring and Steele will come in here and 
try to compromise. 

Mererd.th. That’s what you think? 

Duncan. It’s what I know. Rollo time it. Two 
minutes remember. 

Kent. Right. (Kent takes out watch) 


52 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Meredith. If he doesn’t come back of course 
you’ll go to him won’t you? 

Ouncan. I should say not. I have the goods and 
he hps tq come to pie. 

Meredith. Don’t be so arbitrary Duncan. 
There’s five thousand of my money tied' up in this, 

Duncan. Don’t worry Jim. Remember that all 
you need is confidence. 

Kent. Yes, Jim, remember that all you need is 
copfidence. 

Meredith. Oh, get out 

Kent. Thirty seconds. 

Cannon. You don’t really expect to get a hun- 
dred thousand do you ? 

Duncan. No. I should get it but he won’t pay it 
so I’ll take fifty thousand, and fie wiH pay it. And 
you don’t know what it means to me boys.; it means 
more than the money, it means that I’ve made good. 

Meredith. Still there’s no use in taking reckless 
chances. 

Duncan. This isn’t a chance, it’s a certainty. 
It’s only the beginning too! And the thing that did 
it -all was that inheritance. You know it don’t, you. 

Meredith. Yes. Of course. 

Kent. Certainly he kpew it. (Meredith turns 
quickly toward Kent) One minute. 

Cannon, (to Kent) Yqu hear! 

Duncan. Yes, but that’s, only half the time. I’m 
still betting that in less than another minute Steele 
will be back in the room ready to resume negotia- 
tions. 

Cannon. 1 hope you’re right. 

Meredith. So do I, apd you can’t deny that 
twenty-five thousand is pretty good for a starter. 

Duncan, ^es, but it isn’t enough.. 

Kent. A minute and thirty seconds. 

Meredith. You see^ you see- — — 

Cannon. That leaves onlv half a minute. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


53 


Duncan. It takes just one second to win this bet 
so I have a chance to win it thirty times over. 
Meredith. Well, we’ll soon see. 

Duncan. That’s what we will. 

Kent. ( counting ) Thirty-six, thirty-seven, 
thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty— (Kent continues 
counting) 

Meredith. You haven’t much time now. 
Duncan. I have enough. 

Meredith. You still think he’ll come? 

Duncan. Of course I do. 

Kent. Fort} r -five, forty-six — (the door hell rings 
Kent continues counting) 

Duncan. What did I tell you. What did I tell 
you ? , 

Meredith. You’re all right, Duncan. Some 

business man you are 

Kent. He hasn’t won yet, though. He said 
Steele was to be in here — (Kent counts) Fifty- 
three, fifty-four, fifty-five- ! 

( The Maid appears.) 

Maid. Mrs. Kent. 

I^ent. Fifty-six, fifty-six — fifty-six 

Duncan. Mrs. Kent? , 

Maid. Yes sir. 

Kent. Game called on account of darkness. 

(The Maid exits. I^ent takes out the candy box and 
hegius to eat one of the candies. Mrs. Kent 
enters. ) 

Mrs. Kent. Good afternoon. 

Cannon. Oh,, good aiternoon, Mrs. Kent. 
Meredith. , Good afternoon. 

Mrs. Kent. Jfijn delighted to see you here, Mr. 
Price. 


54 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Duncan. Thank you, Mrs. Kent. The same to 
you. 

Mrs. Kent. I was so lonesome at home all alone 
without a soul to speak to that I thought you really 
wouldn’t mind if I came over so that I could walk 
back with Rollo, and perhaps Mr. Meredith. You 
dont mind, do you ? 

Cannon. Of course not. We’re very glad you 
came, (to Meredith) Aren’t we? 

Meredith. Mm. Oh, yes, yes. Very glad indeed. 
(to Duncan) Aren’t we? 

Duncan. Mm? Oh, yes, yes; we’re simply de- 
lighted. (to Kent) Aren’t we? 

Kent. Mm. Oh, yes, yes ! Only delighted is too 
weak a word for me — altogether too weak a word — 
for me 

Mrs. Kent. Isn’t that nice? (Mrs. Kent stands 
smiling and not looking at Kent) 

Kent. Your coming so unexpectedly, Baby, was 
like — was like — a ray of sunshine — a ray of sunshine 
— illuminating and irradiating as it were — the dark 
cell in which we were all imprisoned — and in this 
way, Bunnie — in this way — as I said before — your 
coming has brought into this moment of our lives — 
as it were — it has brought, I say — it has — brought — 
it has — Oh hell ! 

Mrs. Kent. You big strong men don’t know 
what it means for a little woman to be left all alone, 
if you did I’m sure you’d be with her more. 

Kent. But, Bunnie dear, you know you allowed 
me this extra time, you know you did. 

Cannon. We were here when he ’phoned. 

Meredith. Yes. 

Mrs. Kent. I am not speaking of this time in par- 
ticular, I am speaking of husbands and wives in gen- 
eral. My poor dear mamma always says, “ If a 
woman’s husband is at home she knows exactly 
where he is, but if he is not at home she only knows 
where he says he is.” 


55 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 

Duncan. Comforting! Very comforting. Isn’t 
it, Polio? 8 

Kent. Yes, it’s a wonderful thought — simply 
• wonderful and 

Meredith. And so soothing. 

Mrs. Kent. Mamma is a remarkable woman ! 
And now if you will excuse me — you see I haven’t 
seen Rollie since morning 

Cannon. We understand. 

Meredith. Yes, indeed. 

Duncan. Certainly we do. 

(Mrs. Kent goes to Kent.) 

Mrs. Kent. Kiss me, sweetheart. 

Kent. But, Baby 

Mrs. Kent. Kiss me, dearie — (K ent kisses Mrs. 
Kent. Her expression shows that her worst fears are 
confirmed. There is a pause ) 

Kent. They forced it on me. (there is a pause) 
Honest they did. ( there is a pause) Oh, Bunny, 
you don’t think I’d lie to you? ( there is a pause. 
Mrs. Kent turns away) 

Mrs. Kent. Please tell Mrs. Cannon that I en- 
quired after her. 

Cannon. I’ll let her know that you are here. 

Mrs. Kent. Please don’t trouble. 

Cannon. No trouble at all, and she’d be glad to 
know. 

Mrs. Kent. Please don’t, we’re going now, aren’t 
we, Rollo? 

Kent. Mm ? 

Mrs. Kent. I said “ we’re going now, aren’t we ? ” 

Kent. Yes, oh yes. We’re going now. 

Mrs. Kent. And you, Mr. Meredith — (K ent in 
pantomime motions for Meredith to go with them) 

Meredith. I have some unfinished business with 
Mr. Price; it’s really very important so if you’ll ex- 
cuse me, just for the time being ! 


56 


“ DON’T WEAKEN." 

Mrs. Kent. Certainly. ( she turns to Kent who 
suddenly stops motioning to Meredith) Won’t we? 

Kent. Certainly ! Certainly ! with pleasure. 

Mrs. Kent. Then, good afternoon. (Duncan, 
Cannon and Meredith bid Mrs. Kent good after- 
noon and she goes to exit) Come, Rollie dear. 

(Mrs. Kent exits.) 

Kent. ( Fiercely , to Meredith) You saw me 
motioning to you. 

Meredith. I did not. 

Kent. Yes, you did. I’ll get even for this- 

Meredith. But, look here 

Kent. I’ll get even all right. Some day P1L ! 

Mrs. Kent, (off) Coming, darling. 

Kent. Yes, sweetheart. I’m looking for my hat. 

Mrs. Kent, (off) It’s here in the hall, dearest. 

Kent. Is it. Oh, yes, I remember now I left it 
there, (to Meredith) That’s no way to treat a pal 
and I won’t forget it either, (going toward exit) 
Isn’t that funny, darling, I thought it was in here. 
(Kent exits. There is a pause on stage but Kent 
continues talking off stage) And all the time it was 
in the hall. Strange, isn’t it, how such things hap- 
pen. 

(Kent talks ad lib as though going down the hall 
till the closing of the street door is heard. Dun- 
can and Cannon laugh.) 

Cannon. Poor old Kollo ! 

Duncan. “ Led to the Slaughter ” and other 
tales ! 

Meredith. Never mind, Rollo, what about Steele. 
He hasn’t come back yet and it’s considerably over 
your two minutes. 

Cannon. That’s so. 

Duncan. I know it is. To tell the truth, I’m get- 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


57 


ting a bit nervous myself. Just the same I nan’t 
think Pm wrong. 

Meredith. It will be pretty tough if you are. 
Remember Steele said that the deal was off. 

Cannon. Even if it is, with a big thing like 
Duncan has, he can easily get outside capital, (to 
Duncan) Can’t you? 

Duncan. No. 

Cannon. You can’t? 

Meredith. Why ? 

Duncan. Because I’ve been trying it for nearly a 
month and Steele is the only one I’ve been able to 
interest at all — It’s tremendous but revolutionary, 
and I must give Steele credit for a least one thing — 
he’s the only man yet who’s had the brain to appreci- 
ate it and the nerve to undertake it. 

Cannon. You’ll find somebody else. 

Duncan. I don’t know where. My option expires 
at noon to-morrow. 

Cannon. At noon? 

Meredith. To-morrow 

Duncan. Yes. 

Cannon. And how much were you to pay for it? 

Duncan. A hundred thousand dollars ! 

Meredith. Then you still owe ninety-five thou- 
sand ? 

Duncan. Yes. 

Cannon. And if you don’t raise ninety-five thou- 
sand dollars by noon to-morrow you lose the option 
and the five thousand you have put up as well.' 

Duncan. That’s it. 

Meredith. You have a fine chance! Five thou- 
sand — (kiss his hand) Good-bye! Some business 
man. 

Cannon. Take mv advice, get to Steele early in 
the morning. 

Meredith. Yes. 

Duncan. No. I’m going to make fifty 7, thousand 
dollars clear or nothing. He’s got to come to me. 


58 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


Cannon. Don’t be unreasonable. 

Meredith. No, for heaven’s sake don’t! You 
know Dick Steele. Once he’s made up his mind to do 
a thing he’ll do it. He’ll never come back here. 
He’ll never ! 

(The door bell rings. Duncan who is between 
Cannon and Meredith seizes each by the wrist. 
There is a tense pause. The Maid appears.) 

Maid. Mr. Steele. 

Duncan. Oh, he won’t, won’t he 

Meredith. Some business man. Some business 
man ! 

(Steele enters.) 

Steele. Duncan, I’ve come to make you what is 
absolutely my final offer. 

Duncan. Good. What is it? 

Steele. I’ll come straight to the point; for your 
option I’ll give you a bonus of fifty thousand dollars. 

Meredith. Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 

Duncan. It isn’t enough. 

Meredith. Hurr — What ! 

Duncan. Fifty thousand is not enough. (Mere- 
dith nearly collapses. To Steele) My option is 
worth at least a hundred thousand and you know it, 
but to bring things to an issue I’ll sell it to you for 
seventy-five. 


(Meredith is slowly dying.) 

Steele. Nothing doing. 

Duncan. Very well, then I’ll make you my 
final offer — I’ll sell it to you for sixty thousand cash. 
Steele. Fifty. 

Duncan. Sixty 

Steele. Fifty. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


59 


Duncan. Sixty. 

( There is a pause.) 

Steele. All right. Sixty. 

Duncan. Sold. 

Meredith (almost breathless ) Some business 

man ! 

Cannon, I congratulate you both. 

Steele. When can we close the deal? 

Duncan. Right now. These cover everything. 
(he takes papers from his inside coat pocket) I 
brought them along for Will to look over before the 
meeting we were to have at your apartment. He can 
act for both of us, can’t he? 

Steele. Certainly. 

Duncan. Then, here your are. (he gives papers 
to Cannon) Look them over together and if they 
are satisfactory to Steele draw up the bill of sale 
and I’ll sign it. 

Cannon. Good. Come along, Dick. 

(Steele and Cannon go toward exit.) 

Duncan. Just a minute. (Steele and Cannon 
stop) So that there may be no misunderstanding 
let’s repeat the terms again ! For my option you are 
to pay me a bonus of sixty thousand dollars, cash. 

Steele. Right. 

Duncan. That’s all. 

(Steele and Cannon exeunt. Meredith goes to 
Duncan.) 

Meredith. Put her there, (he shakes Duncan’s 
hand enthusiastically) You’re a marvel. 

Duncan. All you need is confidence. 

Meredith. Yes! But, do you know how I felt 


60 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 

while you were doing that “ fifty — sixty— fifty — 
sixty" business? 

Duncan. No. 

Meredith. I felt as though the boat was slowly 
sinking and the captain had just shouted “ — back, 
women and children first" 

Duncan. Believe me, Jim, I had that sinking 
feeling too. 

Meredith. You didn't look it. r 

Duncan. I had it just the same. If Steele had 
said “no"— Bla ! 

Meredith. But he didn't. He didn't, and it 
proved my theory was right. 

Duncan. Your theory! What about? 

Meredith. Why — er— why 

Duncan. Well, what? 

Meredith. Why, nothing, nothing at all ! Only, 
you see ! 

(Ethel enters.) 

Ethel. Your wife wants you, Will. ( she sees 
Duncan) I beg your pardon. I didn't know. 

(Ethel starts toward exit.) 

Duncan. Don't go, please. I've something very 
important to say to you — (to Meredith) Haven't I ? 

Meredith. Mm? Oh, yes. Certainly. 

Duncan. And don't forget your hat is in the hall, 
too. 

Meredith. That's so. And I've got to be going. 

Ethel. But, really- 

Meredith. It's right. I'm dining at the Kents, 
have to go home to dress. Good afternoon ! ( to 
Duncan) See you in the morning — and remember 
that all you need is confidence. Good-bve! Good- 
bye ! Good-bye ! 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


61 


(Meredith exits. Ethel is undecided as to what 
to do. There is a pause.) 

Duncan. Ethel, Eve made good. 

Ethel, (in matter of fact tone) Yes. 

Duncan. I can do the things I was afraid I 
couldn’t do. I’ve proved it. I’m not afraid of any- 
thing now. 

Ethel. Really ? 

Duncan. I love you. And I want to ask you the 
question I did before and to beg you to give me the 
same answer. 

Ethel. You’re very amusing. 

Duncan. Amusing ! 

Ethel. Do you think I am the kind of girl who 
(‘an be dropped coldly one minute and then calmly 
taken up the next. 

Duncan. No, of course not. 

Ethel. Then why should you imagine that this 
conversation interests me. Good afternoon. 

(Ethel starts to go.) 

Duncan. Stop! (slight pause) Ethel, stop! 

(The authoritative tone has its effect and Ethel 
pauses. ) 


Ethel. Well? 

Duncan. I’m not the same man I was when I 
spoke to you before. 

Ethel. No? 

Duncan. Can’t you see the difference? Can’t you 
feel it? Can’t you? 

(Ethel’s interest is gradually arousing.) 

Ethel. Yes. There is a change in you. 

Duncan. Then I was a failure, now T’m not. 


“ D ON’T WEAKENS 


62 


Ethel. Duncan. 

Duncan. At that time I had no faith in myself, 
no belief. I thought I was a man condemned forever 
to stand in the shadow watching the rest of the 
world march by in the sunshine ! And I hadn’t the 
right to ask you to stand there with me. I hadn’t 
the right. 

Ethel. But, I don’t understand, I 

Duncan. I was a failure and I thought I always 
should be one. I didn’t understand that what made 
me fail was just that thought. But, suddenly, it 
came to me. I realized that the' one big thing neces- 
sary for success was faith in one’s self. And then I 
worked, and hustled and worked again, and after 
awhile I began to get a little result. And that en- 
couraged me to work all the harder and to fight all 
the harder, because I wanted to make good in your 
eyes, because I was working and fighting for you ! 
And so I kept on, and on, working for the big thing, 
I knew must be waiting for me. And to-day, sooner 
than I had even dared to hope, it came! I’ve made 
good, Ethel, I can do things. Now I have the right 
to ask for now — I’m a man. 

(She offers her hands to him impulsively.) 

Ethel. I’m glad. 

Duncan. And everything is all right? (there is 
a pause) It is, isn’t it? 

Ethel. I’m afraid not. 

Duncan. Ethel 

Ethel. I’m afraid it’s — too late 

Duncan. Too late? 

Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. There’s some one else? (Ethel nods) 
And you — love him? 

Ethel. No, dear, no ! 1 love you 

Duncan. You do 

Ethel. Of course, and always shall. 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


63 , 


^ Duncan. Then there's nothing to it! Whew! 
You had me worried for awhile! Tell me, dear 
When shall it be? 

Ethel. You don’t understand. It can't be. 

Duncan. Ethel! (there is a pause) You don't 
mean that? 

Ethel. I do. 

Duncan. But why? Why? 

Ethel. Father ! He’s in trouble. 

Duncan. With whom? 

Ethel. Dick Steele. 

Duncan. But, I heard that Steele is going to take 
your father in with him. 

Ethel. He was — going to. 

Duncan. Was ? 

Ethel. Yes. 

Duncan. I see. (there is a pause ) It depends 
on you. (Ethel nods) That's a fine piece of work. 
Since he can't win you fairly and honestly he tries to 
get you by intimidation and threats. 

Ethel. He hasn't threatened. He simply showed 
me things just as they are. 

Duncan. He can hurt vour father? (Ethel 
nods) Badly? 

Ethel. Very. Dad told me that himself! And 
he doesn't know — every tiling. 

Duncan. What doesn't he know ? 

Ethel. The odds were greatly -against him even 
as matters stood, but he still had just a fighting 
chance. Now, if what Mr. Steele says is true, the 
odds are overwhelming and he has no chance. 

Duncan. Why ? 

Ethel. Because this evening Mr. Steele is going 
to get control of an invention which will enable him 
to put all his competitors out of business. 

Duncan. What ? 

Ethel. Because this evening Mr. Steele is going 
to get control of an invention ! 


64 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Duncan. I know the rest! (he laughs) That’s 
immense! That’s splendid! (he laughs again) 

Ethel. Why are you laughing? 

Duncan. Because I can’t help it. I’m thinking 
of the jolt that is coming to Steele. In a few min- 
utes he’ll think he’s been struck by a six cylinder 
eighty horse power car drawn by a “ joy ’’ rider with 
a bicycle cop after him ! Oh, the bump he will get. 

Ethel. Why ? 

Duncan. Because I am the man who controls the 
invention aforesaid. 

Ethel. Duncan ! 

Duncan. It’s true, dear. I control it and w r as 
going to sell it to Steele. Now^ do you know how 
much chance he has to get it — he has as much chance 
as a wooden-legged man in a forest fire. 

Ethel. You mean it? 

Duncan. Certainly. It was the big thing I was 
telling you about. Come right over there and kiss 
me. 

Ethel. Oh, Duncan! 

(She goes to him , and kisses him. He takes her in 
his arms. There is a pause.) 

Duncan, (tenderly) And for awhile T thought 
you would never do that again. 

Ethel. Dear ! 

Duncan. Now about Steele. 

Ethel. Well ? 

Duncan. We’re not quite safe yet. 

Ethel, (slightly alarmed) No? 

Duncan. There’s nothing to worry about. To 
get complete control I have to raise ninety-five thou- 
sand dollars before noon to-morrow. 

Ethel. Can you do it? 

Duncan. I’ve got to do it! There’s one man I 
haven’t approached who is sure to see the value, and 
with his backing I can raise the money easily. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


65 


Ethel. Splendid, dear, who is it? 

Duncan. Your father. 

Ethel. But he’s in Canada hunting. 

Duncan. I’ll wire him. 

Ethel. But he’s in the wilds, miles away from 
civilization; a message couldn’t possibly get to him 
in less than two or three days. 

Duncan. I must get word to him before twelve 
to-morrow. 

Ethel. You can’t. It’s' impossible. 

Duncan. You meow that? 

Ethel. Yes, dear. ( there is a pause) Now, 
what are you going to do? 

Duncan. I don’t know yet. But I’ll do some- 
thing. I don’t know what it is — but I’ll do it. 

Ethel. If things shouldn’t turn out right after 
all 

Duncan. They’ve got to turn out right. Noth- 
ing can stop us now. My luck has turned and from 
now on it’s going to be just as good as it used to be 
bad. (Marvin enters ) You’ll see that I ! 

Marvin. Hello, Duncan ! How — are you, Ethel ? 

Ethel. How are you, Sam ? 

Duncan. Didn’t I tell you. Didn’t I tell you. 
Here’s the very man to do the trick, and he’s turned 
up just at the right time. 

Marvin. Wha’s the idea? 

Duncan, (to Ethel) It’s all right now. I want 
to see Sam privately for just about a minute. Will 
you wait — in there? 

Ethel. Certainly. I’m so anxious. You won’t 
be long. 

Duncan. Not more than three minutes— by the 
clock. 

Ethel. Very well. 

Duncan. And don’t worry. Everything is all 
right now. 


(Ethel exits.) 


66 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Marvin. Well, Dune, what can I do for you? 

Duncan. You can get me ninety thousand dol- 
lars before noon to-morrow. 

Marvin. Oh, stop your joking. 

Duncan. I was never more in earnest in my life. 
I've got to have the money, I simply have got to 
have. 

Marvin. And how do you expect me to get it for 
you? 

Duncan. Borrow it on my inheritance. 

Marvin. But, Duncan, I ! 

Duncan. You don't know what that has meant 
to me. It changed my life entirely. It gave me 
courage and strength and now it's going to give me 
this 

Marvin. It can't be true. 

Duncan. It's a matter of life and death and it's 
got to be done. 

Marvin. I won’t do it. 

Duncan. Then 1 will. 

Marvin. But, Duncan 

Duncan. Listen to me, Sam. Ethel's happiness, 
her father's happiness and my happiness depend on 
this. To-morrow morning, somewhere, somehow, 1 
am going to borrow that money with my inheritance 
as security and you're going with me to back up my 
word and give the proofs. 

Marvin. I can't do it, Duncan. 

Duncan. You can and you will. You're with 
me or you’re against me. You're my friend or you're 
not. Come on now. Which is it — (there is a 
pause) Which is it? 

Marvin. I’m your friend, of course. 

Duncan. And you'll do it? 

Marvin. I can't. 

Duncan. Why can't you? Why? (there is a 
pause) Is there any reason? 

Marvin. Yes. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


67 


Duncan. What reason? ( there is a pauste) 
What? 

Marvin. I can’t tell you. 

Duncan. You must! You’ve gone too far to 
hold anything back now. What is the reason you 
won’t go with me to-morrow and help me get that 
money? Come on now. You’ve got to tell me. 

Marvin. Then I will tell you. It would be get- 
ting the money under false pretences. 

Duncan. Why ? 

Marvin. Because there is no — inheritance. 

Duncan. Don’t joke with me now, Sam. 

Marvin. I’m not joking, Duncan. The whole 
thing was a scheme put up by Jim Meredith, to 
give you confidence and prove a theory of his. 

Duncan. ( slowly ) Sam, say that again and say 
it slow. 

Marvin. I’m sorry, Duncan. 

Duncan, (fiercely) Never mind that. Tell me. 

Marvin, (slowly) There is no inheritance. It 
was a scheme of Jim’s to prove a theory of his. 

* 

(The truth slowly dawns on Duncan. The world 
slips from under his feet and he stands as if 
stupefied. His knees give way as if he is about 
to fall and Marvin starts to go to him, but 
Duncan puts up his hand and stops him. 
Then slowly, and almost as if drunken, he goes 
to a chair and sits. There is a pause. Marvin 
goes to him.) 

Marvin. We had no idea it would turn out like 
this. We did it for the best. 

Duncan. It was a lie — all a lie — — 

Marvin. We thought it would give you confi- 
dence. 

Duncan. It did ! But now, what? Now? 

Marvin. We didn’t mean to hurt you. You know 


68 


“ DON'T WEAKEN ” 

that, don't yon? Don't you? (Duncan nods) 
That's some comfort. 

Duncan. Don't say- — any more — -just — go away 
— and — leave me — alone! 

Marvin. Duncan ! 

Duncan. Just leave me— alone — then I'll soon 
be- all right. 

Marvin. If you'd only let me— — 

Duncan. Oh, please ! Please ! 

Marvin. Very well— But God knows — I'm sorry. 

(Duncan exits. There is a pause. Duncan rises 
and laughs harsh ly at first, hut ending the laugh 
almost with a sob. Then he sits again. There 
is a pause. Ethel enters quietly. She sees 
Duncan. There is a pause. Ethel goes 
quietly to Duncan. There is a pause.) 

Ethel. Duncan — (there is a pause) Duncan — 
(Duncan looks up) It was so quiet I felt sure that 
Sam had gone and I simply had to come to hear the 
news. (there is a pause) Was it bad news? 
(Duncan nods) Don't let it trouble you, dear. I 
am never going to be disheartened again. And you 
mustn't be either, (there is a pause) You've had 
a — set-back — perhaps, but you mustn't be dis- 
couraged. When in there— alone — I realized how 
changed you are, and I know now, no matter what 
happens that you are bound to succeed. 

Duncan. You don't know. 

Ethel. I don't want to know for there^s one 
thing I’m sure of — you have strength! and courage 
and no matter what the obstacle may be you are 
going to overcome it and win. 

Duncan. I'm afraid I'm beaten, Ethel. 

Ethel. Afraid ! Afraid ! How dare you use that 
word to me! (there is a pa/use) You're not afraid 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


69 

and you’re never going to be afraid again of any- 
thing or anybody — do you hear me, never ! 

Duncan. Ethel ! 

Ethel. You’re a man— a real, fighting man. 
That’s true, isn’t it? Isn’t it? ( there is a pause. 
Duncan’s expression shows he is catching Ethel’s 
spirit) If it isn’t true now is the time to let me 
know, (there is a pause ) Duncan, our happiness, 
our whole future happiness is hanging in the bal- 
apce. Whichever way the scale goes you are going 
to turn it. Remember that — and remember this as 
well— I love you, dear, love you with all my heart, 
but I won’t marry a weakling, I won’t marry a 
coward. ( there is a pause ) Oh, don’t disappoint 
me again, for I should never get over it. So promise 
you won’t, dear. Promise me? (there is a pause) 

Duncan. I won’t. I won’t. 

Ethel. Duncan ! (she goes to him) 

Duncan. You’ve saved me, Ethel. I was going 
under- — and you’ve saved me. 

Ethel. Dear 

Duncan. But that’s gone by, gone by forever. 
Your courage and your trust have given me back the 
faith in myself that I was losing. I realize now 
that strength doesn’t come from without, it comes 
from within. What I have done I can do again. 
There is nothing in the world that I shall ever fear 
now — nothing. 

Ethel. Thank God! 

Duncan. I’m going to fight, Ethel— I’m going 
to fight. You just stand by and watch me — that’s 
all, just watch me. 

(Steele and Cannon enter. Cannon has legal 
paper. ) 

Steele. Everything is satisfactory. 

Cannon. And here’s the agreement ready for 
your signature. 


TO 


“DON’T WEAKEN/’ 


(Cannon hands paper to Duncan who looks it over.) 

Steele. All right, isf/t it? 

Duncan. Probably. But I’m not going to sign it. 

Cannon. Not going to sign it? 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. And why? 

Duncan. Because I’ve changed my mind. 

Steele. Really! Well, let me tell you that this 
time the change doesn’t go. 

Duncan, Oh, yes, it does. 

Steele. Oh, no, it doesn’t, and I’ll give you the 
reason. You and I came to a definite and explicit 
understanding in the presence of witnesses, one of 
whom was your lawyer. I stand ready to carry out 
that understanding to the letter, and if you refuse 
'to sign that agreement I shall simply hold you to 
your verbal contract. There’s your lawyer, ask him 
whether or not I can do it. Go on, ask him, > 

Duncan, (to Cannon) Well? 

Cannon. If Steele stands ready to comply with 
all the terms of the verbal contract you will have to 
abide by it. 

Steele. You hear? Well I <lo stand ready to 
comply with all the terms to sign or not just as you 
please, the option is mine. 

Duncan. I’m not so sure. 

Steele. Well I am. 

Duncan. To secure the option you have to com- 
ply with all the terms. 

Steele. Yes. 

Duncan. And what was the principal one ? 

Steele. That for it I was to pay you sixty thou- 
sand dollars. 

Duncan. Cash ! That was the agreement wasn’t 
it ? Sixty thousand cash. 

Steele. Yes. 

Duncan. Very well give me the cash and the 
option’s yours. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


71 


Steele. You don’t suppose I have that amount 
here with me do you? 

Duncan. I am not supposing anything about this 
transaction. I am simply asking you to live up to 
our agreement. 

Steele. I haven’t the money with me, you know 
that but I’ll give you a check. 

Duncan. A check isn’t cash. There’s your lawyer 
now you ask him? ( Steele looks at Cannon) 

Cannon. He’s right. 

Duncan. And so you can’t live up to the terms of 
the agreement and the option isn’t yours. 

Steele. Perhaps it isn’t — yet! But it will be 
before one o’clock to-morrow. I’ve known all along 
that it expires at noon unless by that time you have 
raised ninety-five thousand dollars additional capital. 

Duncan. Well? 

Steele. I’ve already been dickering with the 
inventor and knowing you can’t possibly raise the 
money I would have ignored you altogether only it 
happens that now your terms are lower than his. 
Well I’ll have him waiting in my office to-morrow and 
when you don’t make good, as I know you can’t, I’ll 
have the deal cinched in less than five minutes. 

Duncan. That’s- a pretty scheme but it fails in 
several essential points. The first is that I can make 
good — the others don’t matter. 

Steele. Oh, no, you can’t. Where can you raise 
ninety-five thousand by noon? 

Duncan. That’s my affair 

Steele. You can’t do it and I know you can’t. 
By fifteen minutes after twelve to-morrow I’ll have 
closed the deal and then look out for yourselves — all 
of you. 

Cannon. Steele 

Duncan. We must look out for yourselves ? The 
shoe’s on the other foot Steele, you must look out 
for yourself. Pm going after you and what’s more 


72 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


I'm going to get you and get you good and plenty. 
(Steele with a laugh tarns to Cannon) 

Ethel, (to Duncan) Splendid. How are you 
going to do it ? 

(Steele turns to Duncan.) 

Duncan, (to Ethel) I don't know. Yes, Steele. 
I'm going after you. I'm not only going to raise 
that money but I'm going to form a company to 
manufacture the goods and then I'll run you out of 
business and when once I start you running, you'll 
go as fast as a jack rabbit in front of a prairie fire. 

Steele. Run me out of business. 

Duncan. That's, exactly what I'll do and what's 
more you know that I can do it. Inside of six months 
I'll have a plant in full running order and inside of 
a year we'll have the goods on the market. Then 
your product will be worth about fifty cents on the 
dollar and all your machinery will be good for, 
will be to sell for old scrap iron. Pretty soon I'll 
drop something on you, I'll drop something on you 
Steele and if it doesn't knock you flat I'll come back 
and walk round you to see what's holding you up. 


CURTAIN. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


73 


ACT III. 

Scene: — The scene is the same as in Act II and it 
is about half past eight of the same day. The 
curtain rises on an empty stage. Mrs. Cannon, 
Cannon and Marvin enter from dining room 
chatting as though dinner were just over. 

Marvin. Another splendid dinner Marjorie, but 
then that’s nothing unusual. 

Mrs. C. Thank you, Sam. 

Cannon; (to Marvin) Great housekeeper isn’t 
she? 

Marvin. The best ever. The happiness and com- 
fort in a home like this make marriage an awful 
temptation. 

Cannon. It’s the greatest thing in the world — if 
you hit it right, (he touches Mrs. C. lovingly) 

(The ’ phone rings. Mrs. Cannon answers it.) 

Mrs. C. (at 'phone) Hello — (pause) Yes (pause) 
Oh, how do you do, Mrs. Kent, (pause) Of course! 
(pause) We’ll be delighted to see you. (pause) 
Yes, dinner is over so come right along, (paw) 
That’s good! Good-bye. (she replaces receiver) 
The Kents and Jim Meredith are coming right over 
in the machine. 

Cannon. Splendid. 

Marvin. Jim hasn’t any idea of the shock he is 
going to get. 

Cannon. Shock ? 

Marvin. Yes. He doesn’t know that Duncan 
called the deal off and that most likely he’ll lose his 
five thousand. 


74 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


Cannon. That's so. I can see Jim's face when he 
hears the news. 

(Maid enters with coffee.) 

Mrs. C. Oh, here we are! 

(The Maid serves coffee to them.) 

Maid. Miss Travis says she'll be here in just a 
minute ma'am. 

Mrs. C. Very well. (Maid exits) Ethel's greatly 
upset, isn't she? 

Cannon. Naturally. So much depends on 
whether Duncan is successful or not. 

Mrs. C. Where has he gone? 

Cannon. To see the inventor and try to get an 
extension of time. 

Mrs. C. If he doesn't get it? 

Cannon. It will make things hard for both 
Duncan and Ethel — very hard — so when Ethel comes 
in, let's try and buck her up a. bit. 

Marvin. Good idea. 

Mrs. C. (to Cannon) I infer that you think 
Duncan won't succeed. 

Cannon. Marjorie — he has just as much chance 
of succeeding as I have of pushing over the Metro- 
politan Life Building with a wooden toothpick. 

Mrs. C. But why? 

Cannon. Because now the inventor knows the 
. value of the process and realizes that he can get 
much more for it than Duncan is to pay. 

Marvin. Much more 

Mrs. C. I see. 

(Ethel enters. Cannon catches sight of her as. she 
appears , begins to laugh, and in pantomime tells 
Mrs. C. and Marvin to join. They laugh also. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


75 


Ethel gives no heed to the laughter and sits 
down stage.) 

Cannon. That was splendid, Sam, simply 
splendid, (to Mrs. C.) Wasn’t it? 

Mrs. C. Oh, yes, yes ! It was very funny. 

Marvin. Glad you liked it. 

Cannon, (to Ethel) Sam just told us the best 
story I’ve heard in a long time. 

Marvin. It is funny ! New too. 

Cannon. That’s what. 

Marvin. It always gets a laugh. 

Cannon. Always,! Tell it to Ethel! 

Marvin. — what? • 

Cannon. Tell the story to Ethel. 

Marvin. Why— why — ! I don’t think Ethel 

cares for funny stories. 

Cannon. Of course she does, (to Ethel) Don’t 
you? . , , 

Ethel. Not just now I’m afraid. What time is it 
please ? 

Cannon, (looking at watch ) About a quarter to 
nine. 

Ethel. Duncan said he’d be here by half past 
eight. 

Marvin. Duncan’s always late. 

Ethel. lie said, if he wasn’t here by then, that 
his news would be bad news. 

Mrs. C. Ethel dear, please don’t worry. 

Marvin. Everything’s going to turn out all right. 

Cannon. Of course it is. 

Ethel. I wish I were sure, (door hell rings) 
Perhaps that’s Duncan now. 

(The voices of the Kents and Meredith are heard 
in the hall.) 

Mrs. C. I’m afraid not dear. It’s Mr. and Mrs. 
Kent and Jim Meredith. 


76 “DON'T WEAKEN.” 

(Kent and Mrs. C. enter followed by Meredith.) 

Mrs. C. (to Mr. Kent) Pm so glad you came. 

Mrs. Kent. It was very good of you to let us 
come. 

Kent. How de ! 

Meredith. Hello everybody. ( there is a general 
greeting then Meredith looks about) Where's 
Duncan. I want to shake hands with him again. 
In my opinion — he is the combined John D. and 
Andrew C. of the coming commercial generation ! 
Where is he? Where is that boy? 

Cannon. He is not here just now. 

Ethel. But he's expected — very soon. 

Meredith. Out on some other project I suppose — 
not letting the grass grow under his feet. He’s some 
business man I tell you. 

Mrs. Kent. 7 can't make out what it's all about. 

Kent. I tried several times to explain it Bunny. 

Meredith. I tried too, at dinner, frequently and 
since dinner, continuously. 

Mrs. Kent. Oh, I know it's about an option but 
I really don't know what an option is. 

Kent. I'll explain it all over again drearie. 

Mrs. Kent. Drearie 

Kent. Dearie ! I said “ Dearie.” 

Mrs. Kent. I thought you said “drearie” (to 
others) Didn't you? 

Others. Oh, no, certainly not. 

Meredith. I heard him distinctly. He said 
“ Dearie ” just like that “ Dearie ” as though it came 
gushing from the heart but met a dam up here in the 
throat, (he points to his throat) 

Mrs. Kent. Oh, I see. 

Kent. Shall I explain it all over again? 

Mrs. Kent. I don't think so, sweetheart. 

Kent. I will if you say so. 

Mrs. Kent. No! No, thank you. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


77 


Kent. Then you don’t want me to explain it. 
Mrs. Kent. No dear. I’m quite sure it wouldn’t 
do any good. 

Kent. Very well. 

Meredith. Well, thank God that’s settled! 

Mrs. Kent. Mr. Meredith! 

(Kent slips quickly away and woi'ks toward the 
whiskey which is up stage.) 

Meredith. I — I beg your pardon, Mrs. Kent. 

(to Mrs. C. and Ethel) Yours as well. 

(Mrs. C. and Ethel nod.) 

Mrs. Kent. I should like to know exactly what 
you meant by that remark, Mr. Meredith. 

Meredith. I didn’t mean anything, Mrs. Kent. 
Mrs. C. Of course he didn’t. 

Marvin. Certainly not. 

Mrs. Kent. ( showing signs of crying) I know 

that I’m stupid 

Meredith. Not at all. 

Cannon. Quite the contrary. 

Mrs. Kent. I know — that I’m stupid — but I 
don’t like — to be reminded of it — in front of peo- 
ple. (Mrs. Kent begins to cry a little) That isn’t 
very nice. 

Meredith. Don’t cry Mrs. Kent. Please, don’t. 

(Mrs. Cannon, Cannon and Marvin sympathize 
with Mrs. Kent ad lib. Kent who has been 
watching others cautiously starts to pour out 
a drink.) 

Meredith. It just slipped out and I’m sorry. 
Mrs. Kent. I’ll try not to cry. 

Meredith. Thank you. 


78 


"DON’T WEAKEN” 


Mrs. Kent. I never cry without cause— never — 
but Pm extremely sensitive. Isn’t that so, Polio ! 
Rollo where are you? 

( Kent 1 puts the glass down and comes down stage 
quickly.) 

Kent. ' Here 1 am darling. 

Mrs. Kent. Isn’t it true that I’m extremely sen- 
sitive ? 

Kent, Yes, dear, extremely, extremely! She’s so 
sensitive she cries over the least thing — in fact some- 
times she cries over nothing at all. 

Mrs. Kent. I do not— I never cry over nothing 
at all. 

Kent. But darling 1 don’t mean what you mean ! 

Mrs. Kent. Then what do you mean? 

Kent. I’ll explain it darling. I mean that while 
what you cry over may not mean “ nothing at all to 
you ” it may be absolutely nothing at all to me. 
Understand? Min? Don’t you? 

Mrs. Kent. I must say that I don’t. 

Kent. And yet it’s quite clear, (to Others) 
Isn’t it? 

Others. Yes. Certainly of course it is — etc. 

Meredith. It’s absolutely clear to me. 

Kent. You understand it perfectly don’t you 
Jim? 

Meredith. Perfectly. 

Kent. Then you explain it to her. 

Meredith. But— I — I- 

Mrs. Kent. There is no need for Mr. Meredith 
to explain anything. 

Meredith. But Mrs. Kent I — I 

Mrs. Kent. Any explanation due from my hus- 
band I prefer to come from him direct, (beginning 
to cry again) And I must say I’m not having a very 
pleasant evening. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 


79 


(All but Ethel sympathize with Mrs. Kent and ash 
her not to cry.) 

' Kent. And remember pet crying; makes,: war 
nose red. ; n taonhud 

Mrs. Kent. I know it does. And mamma always 
says “ If a woman has a red nose it proves she has 
either a bad husband or indigestion and: you know 
I haven't indigestion. .\ 

Kent. Yes dearie, I know it very well. ; 

Mrs. Kent. Then there youiare. 

Kent. Yes, darling, here I am. . 

Mrs. Kent. Then nothing more need be said.. 
Kent. No, dearie. 

Mrs. Kent. Very well. (Mrs. Kent speaks this 
with a finality and Meredith shows his relief. There 
is a pause ) But always remember this— — 
Meredith. Oh, lord! 

Kent. I’ll remember anything . darling— — 

Mrs. Kent. All right dear. . 

Mrs. C. And now come to my room for a moment. 
If there’s any red on your nose I’ll soon take, it off. 
Mrs. Kent. Thank you. 

Mrs. C. Then we’ll come down and have some 
music. ' 

Mrs. Kent. I shall like that very much. 

Mrs. 0 . Coming Ethel? 

Ethel. Yes, just for a minute. (Ethel, goes 
toward exit. Mrs. Kent's eye lights on the. whiskey 
and the glass. She stops) 

Mrs. Kent. Remember Rollo, I trust you. 

Kent. I’ll remember, darling. 

Mrs. Kent. Please do. ( cry again. Mrs. C. and 
Mrs. Kent exeunt. Mrs. Kent talking ad lib. 
After their exit there is a sigh of relief from the 
men. Meredith’s being particularly noticeable, lie 
also gets the whiskey pours himself a drink) 

Meredith. Where is Duncan, I thought he’d be 
here to celebrate. 


80 


“ DON'T WEAKEN .” 


Marvin. Celebrate what ? 

Meredith. The deal he made with Steele to-day. 
Just think, he clears fifty-five thousand dollars and 1 
get my five thousand back into the bargain ! Some 
business man ! 

Cannon. Duncan certainly is a great business 
man. 

Meredith. I should say so. 

Cannon. A great business man. 

Meredith. Yes, sir. 

Cannon. Only the deal is off. 

Meredith. What ! 

Kent. Do you mean it ? 

Cannon. Ask Sam. 

Marvin. That’s right. 

Cannon. Eighty more to get. 

Meredith. I don’t know where nor how but I’m 
sure he’ll get it. He’s proved my theory and I’m for 
him first, last and all the time. 

Marvin. So am I. 

Cannon. And I. 

Kent. You can bet I am. 

Meredith. There’s one thing though at least we 
can do. 

Kent. ( enthusiastically ) What? I’d go the 

distance for Dune. 

Meredith. We can at least drink to his success. 

Cannon. Fine. 

Marvin. I’m for that. 

(There is a pause. Kent’s expression changes . 
Meredith, Cannon and Marvin busy them- 
selves pouring drinks. Kent is alone. When 
the drinks are poured one each is taken up by 
Meredith, Cannon and Marvin.) 

Meredith. To Duncan’s success. (they raise 
their glasses. Meredith notices that Kent hasn't 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


81 


joined them) Just a minute, (to Kent) What’s 
the idea? (ther'e is a pause) 

Cannon. You want Duncan to succeed. 

Meredith. Of course he does. 

Martin. Then why not? (there is a pause) 

Meredith. He’s whipped, boys. He’s whipped. 

Cannon & Marvin. Whipped! 

Meredith. By his wife ! Boland Kent, is afraid 
to drink to the success of a friend. 

Kent. What’s the use of — lookina — for trouble? 

Meredith. Isn’t it funny. Whenever a regular 
fellow is whipped by a woman she isn’t a Juno or a 
Jeanne d’Arc ! No sir. Ninety-nine times out of a 
hundred she’s a little bit of feminine fluff, standing 
not more than five feet two, and she’s generally a 
blonde with sky-blue eyes and a baby voice at that. 

Kent. You don’t understand. 

Meredith. Perhaps not, but there’s something I 
do understand and it’s this. In the last five months 
I’ve pictured many things about you Boland— 
ma ny — but never in my life have I pictured you as 
having sunk so low as I found you to-day you, 
acting as valet to a Pekinese pup. 

Kent. You’re not married? 

Meredith. Will is. 

Cannon. Thank God. 

Kent. That’s different, 

Meredith. Why ? 

Kent. Well — it is. 

Meredith. Only because you let it be so. ( there 
is a pause) Close as we were before your marriage, 
to-night was the first time I have ever been m your 
home and, as true as I’m standing here, so long as 
things are as they are now it will be the last. On 
the level, Boland, do you expect to be the father or 
the mother of your children? 

Cannon, (warmngly) Jim! 

Meredith. Oh, I know what generally happens to 


82 


"DON'T WEAKEN” 


the fellow who interferes between a man and his 
wife but I ? ve started this and Em going through ! 

Cannon. Have it your own way. 

Meredith, (to Kent) I didn't think it possible 
that five months conld make such a change in a man. 
Then yon didn't know what fear was, now you're 
afraid to call your soul your own. Five months old 
man, five months ! Unless yon stop it now and stop 
it hard what do you think you will be in five years? 
(pause) What? 

Kent. I told you you're not married and you 
don't understand. Besides it has nothing to do with 
you anyway. 

Meredith. Oh, yes it has. 

Kent. Oh, no, it hasn't. 

Meredith. It has a lot to do with me — a lot! 
(there is a pause ) The next five minutes decide 
whether I keep my friend or I lose him, and — I don't 
want to lose him. Bnt I want to know whether he's 
going to be a man or a mouse. If it's a man I stick 
to the end, if it's a mouse, I quit— right now. 
Which is it to be? (there is a pause) Well? (there 
is a pause. To Cannon and Marvin) I lose, (to 
Kent) Good-bye old man. But before I go I want 
to tell you a few things about yourself. You have 
the most miserable life ahead of you that a man can 
possibly contemplate — the life of a hen-pecked hus- 
band. You'll be a sorrow to your friends, a joy to 
your enemies, and a joke to everybody. You'll be 
one continual laugh ; not a wholesome hearty laugh 
but just a little snickering, Sneering laugh. And 
why will you be this. Because you've lost your 
nerve, because you're a coward. Do you hear, because 
you're a coward. 

Marvin. Jim ! 

Cannon. Be careful ! 

(They start toward them. Meredith motions them 
hack.) 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


83 


Kent. Don’t you say that again Jim? 

Meredith. 1 do say it again. You’re a coward. 
Do you hear, you’re a damned coward. 

(Kent strikes quickly at Meredith who stops the 
blow.) 

Marvin. For God’s sake. 

Meredith. That’s all right. It’s just what I 
wanted. Boys, I haven’t lost yet. 

( There is a pause. The significance of Meredith’s 
action dawns on them.) 

Cannon. I see. 

Kent. So do I. 

Meredith. If you hadn’t resented it I’d have 
walked* through that door and never looked, back.' 
But you came up splendidly and you’re all right. 
Put her there. (Meredith extends his hand. Kent 
takes it. There is a pause) Now go in and win. 

Kent. How can I ? I love her ! That’s at the 
bottom of it all ! At first I gave in because I said 
to myself, “ It’s only a little thing ” and I didn’t want 
to hurt her. Then I gave in because she coaxed and 
then because she Cried and then because she had 
hysterics and lately because I found it was the easiest 
thing to do. But I haven’t surrendered without a 
struggle. I made a stand only the other day but it 
was no use— she— she threatened to go away. 
Meredith. Where ? 

Kent. To her mother. 

Meredith. Have you seen, her mother ? 

Kent. Yes. _ , . 

Meredith. So have I. And have you heard her 

mother 

Kent. Yes. . , „ , 

Meredith. So have I. Her voice tells volumes. 


84 


“ DON'T WEAKEN." 


When she says, “ good morning " it sounds like — 
“ back, women and children first." 

Marvin. Your wife's only bluffing. 

Cannon. Certainly she is. 

Meredith. And you want to keep her love ? 

Kent. Of course. 

Meredith. And do you imagine you'll keep it by 
making her despise you? 

Kent. Despise me ? 

Meredith. Exactly. How do you think a woman 
feels towards a husband she can make, fetch, and 
carry? Does she respect him — hardly? She'll toler- 
ate him of course but she'll know he's a weakling 
and in her heart she'll despise him and a woman 
can't love a man she despises. That's true isn't it? 
(pause) Isn't it? 

Kent. Yes, I suppose it is. 

Marvin. Of course it is. 

Meredith. You know it is. Then don't' you see 
what you're doing? You're not only losing your own 
respect and the respect of all who care for you but 
in the end you'll lose the very thing you want so 
much to keep — her love. It's inevitable. 

Cannon. That's true. 

Meredith. Make a. stand. You've nothing to lose 
and everything to win, and, you will win. Tt's sure. 
What do you say? (there is a pause) 

Kent. It's a go. 

Meredith. Good. 

Cannon. Fine. 

Marvin. Splendid ! 

Kent. But it won’t be as easy as it sounds. 

Meredith. I know it. So when you feel your- 
self beginning to weaken think of the cheer that 
gave you courage when you went through the line 
and made the touchdown that tied the score, (to 
Marvin) You remember it? 

Marvin. Yes, indeed. (Marvin, Cannon and 
Meredith give the cheer) 


“ DON'T WEAKEN." 


85 


Meredith. Well? 

Kent. I'll do it. 

Meredith. Good. And as the first shot in the 
battle let's do as I suggested, let's drink to Duncan. 

Kent. You're on. 

Marvin. Great ! 

Cannon. Immense. 

(Each take a glass.) 

Meredith. To Duncan and his success. 

Kent, Cannon and Marvin. To Duncan and his 
success. 

(They start to drink. Mrs. Kent enters.) 

Mrs. Kent. (speaking as she comes on) I 

thought I'd see what — what — you (she sees 

the others and stands as if petrified. They drink as 
if they had not heard) 

Kent, Mer. Cannon & Marvin. Ah! 

Meredith. Have another old man. 

Kent. Don't care if I do. 

Meredith. Good. (Meredith fixes highball for 
Kent. Mrs. Kent tries to speak but can’t. Kent 
starts to drink) 

Mrs. Kent. Kollo ! Kollo ! Rollo ! 

Kent. Oh, hello darling. (Kent finishes drink) 

Mrs. Kent. May I have a word with my husband ? 

Meredith. Of course, eh; boys? 

Cannon & Marvin. Certainly. 

Mrs. Kent. I should like it at once— and alone. 

Meredith. Most assuredly Mrs. Kent. 
(Meredith, Marvin and Cannon go toward exit. 

They give the first part of the cheer as they go. 

They exeunt. There is a pause.) 

Mus. Kent. There are several things I have to 


86 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


say to you but I won’t say them here; we are going 
home right now. 

Kent. I don’t think so. 

Mrs. Kent. You don’t think so ! 

Kent. Exactly. I came here to spend the evening 
and here I am going to spend it. 

Mbs. Kent. What did you say ? 

Kent. I think you heard me dear, but for fear 
you didn’t I’ll repeat it. I came here to spend the 
evening and here I am going to spend it. 

Mrs. Kent. Then you’ll spend it without me, do 
you hear, without me, for I am going now, this in- 
stant. 

Ke?s t t. Shall I make your excuses to Mrs. Cannon ? 

Mrs. Kent. You would let me go? 

Kent. Why not if you wish to. 

Mrs. Kent. Alone? 

Kent. The car is at the door. 

Mrs. Kent. Perhaps you think I won’t go. 

Kent. It’s for you to say. 

Mrs. Kent. You’ll remember this. (Mrs. Kent 
exits to hall. There is a pause. The door slams) 

Kent, (to himself) She went — good Lord she 
went! (Kent loses his nerve and shows his agita- 
tion. There is a pause. Mrs. Kent peeps cautiously 
from the hall. Kent shows signs of weakening and 
Mrs. Kent smiles. Then Kent recovers his nerve, 
says under his breath — ) I’ll be damned if 1 will. 
(and sits. Mrs. Kent's face shows her astonishment. 
Kent takes out a cigarette, lights it and begins to 
smoke furiously. Mrs. Kent goes back into hall. 
There is a short pause then the slam of the door is 
heard and Mrs. Kent re-enters) 

Mrs. Kent. I’ll give you one more chance. You 
come home with me now, this minute, or I shall go to 
my mother. 

Kent. Say that again please? 

Mrs. Kent. You come home with me now, this 
instant or I shall go back to my mother. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


87 


Kent. "Very well, clear. If you prefer your mother 
to me, go to her. Under such circumstances it would 
be better for us both. 

Mrs. Kent. But ( she stops then begins to 

cry. Across.) I see how it is. You don’t love me 
any more — you don’t love me any more. 

Kent. You know that I do. 

Mrs. Kent. Oh no, you don’t. You’re tired of 
me already — after only five months — you’re tired of 
me. It’s horrible — terrible — ! Everything I’ve done 
has been for your good and you know it. And I love 
you,' love you with all my heart, and I shall never 
be happy again because you’re tired of me. My heart 
is breaking— it’s breaking! You’re tired of me— 
vouEre tired of me 

(Mrs. Kent sobs. Kent is visibly affected. He 
struggles for control of himself but loses it and 
starts toward her. He is about to speak when the 
cheer previously given is heard. It stops him 
and he gathers courage as the cheer continues. 
The cheer ends. There is a pause.) 

Kent. I love you just as much as you love me- 

Mrs. Kent. ( getting more violent) Oh, no you 
don’t. You don’t love me — at all — Do you hear 
you don’t love me at all. 

Kent. That isn’t true and you know it. 

Mrs. Kent. ( working up the scene) I don’t 
know it, I don’t. If you cared for me — even the least 
little bit — you couldn’t see me suffer like this — and 

I am suffering — I am — horribly ( she begins to 

get hysterica!) and you stand there — you stand 
there — and let me — you — you — you 

Kent. Stop this do you hear, stop it. 

Mrs. Kent. I can’t — I can’t — why do you torture 
me — why do you — Oh — a — ah ! 

(She starts to scream. Kent seizes her and puts his 


88 


“DON'T WEAKEN." 


hand over her mouth. He holds her till her 
efforts to scream cease then he throws her from 
him ivith real physical force. They stand glaring 
at each other. There is a pause, during which 
Mrs. Kent's ezpression gradually shows that 
she realizes she is beaten .) 

Kent. Sit down— (pause) Sit down. (Mrs. 
Kent sits) And now listen. This has happened for 
the last time. Try it in our own home and I shall 
know how to handle you. Try it anywhere else and I 
shall do what you only threaten to do. I shall leave 
you. 

Mrs. Kent. Roland ! 

Kent. I shall, and without any compunction. 
You knew that I loved you and you took advantage 
of me ; realizing my weakness you played on it. But 
that's all over — it's finished. Since it is quite clear 
that one of us has to be master, I am going to be the 
one. Fix me a drink — a highball ! Go on. 

(Mrs. Kent makes a highball for Kent and gives it 
to him. He starts to drink.) 

Mrs. Kent, (softly) Dear, I wouldn't take that 
if I were you. I think you've had enough for to- 
night. 

Kent. You’re right, I have. (Kent puts the 
glass down. There is a pause) 

Mrs. Kent. Oh, my darling I love you so. I love 
you so. (she goes to him. He takes her in his 
arms. There is a pause. The door bell rings) You 
won't bully me too much will you? 

Kent. I'll never bully you dear! Never! But 
we understand each other. 

Mrs. Kent. Yes, dear. 

(Mrs. Kent holds up her lips. Kent kisses her. 

Maid appears. Duncan enters.) 


“ DON’T WEAKEN." 


89 


Maid. I’ll tell Miss Travis, sir, and Mr. Cannon. 

Duncan. Very well. And the minute Mr. Steele 
arrives let me know but don’t show him in. 

Maid. I understand, sir. (Maid exits) 

Duncan. Good evening. 

Mils. Kent. Good evening. 

Kent. How are things, Dune? 

Duncan. Oh, pretty well. 

Kent. Think you’ll be able to fix matters? 

Duncan. I think so. 

Kent. Good. 

(Ethel enters followed by Maid ivho exits to hall.) 

Ethel. Duncan, I’ve been ( sees Mr. and 

Mrs. Kent) I beg your pardon. . 

Kent. Oh, that’s all right. We were just leaving, 
weren’t we?. 

Mrs. Kent. Yes. Shall we go Roland? 

Kent. Yes, dear. ( they both nod to others and 
go toward exit. Mrs. Kent taking Kent’s arm) 

Mrs. Kent. I was never so happy in my life. 
( they exeunt) 

Ethel, {eagerly) Well, dear? (Duncan shakes 
his head) Oh, Duncan ! 

Duncan. Steele outgeneralled me. He went 
from here directly to the inventor and when I arrived 
he had already left with a second option in his pocket. 

Ethel. Then we’ve lost. We’ve lost, and it 
means so much. 

Duncan. Now it’s you who must be brave. 

Ethel. I know. But it’s so hard. 

Duncan. Don’t give up dear, we’re not beaten 
yet. 

Ethel. You have a plan? 

Duncan. Yes. 

Ethel. What ? 

Duncan. I can’t tell you. 

Ethel. Duncan 


90 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


Duncan. It's a desperate, despairing chance but 
there is a hope of it's coming off and so long as there's 
hope of any kind we won't surrender, will we ? 

Ethel. No, we won't. 

(Cannon enters.) 

Cannon. Hello Duncan. The maid said you 
wanted to see me. 

Duncan. Yes. (Duncan hands him a paper) 
Here are the terms I am going to make with Steele. 
Draw them up in the briefest form possible that is 
legal and binding. 

Cannon. But if 

Duncan. There's no time to waste. He's liable 
to be here any minute. 

Cannon. Here ? 

Ethel. Mr. Steele? 

Duncan. Yes. I arranged it. 

Ethel. But why to-night ? 

Duncan. Because to-morrow will be too late. 
Steele and I come to terms in the next ten minutes 
or we don't come to terms at all! Hurry, Will ! 

Cannon. I'll do it of course, (he looks at paper) 
But he'll never agree to this. 

Duncan. He will if he'll agree to anything. 

Cannon. You must think you have him cinched. 

Duncan. Never mind about me. Get that in 
shape and do it quickly. . 

Cannon. All right old man I will. (Cannon 
exits) 

Ethel. What are you going to do? 

Duncan. Bluff him. 

Ethel. Bluff him? 

Duncan. Yes. If it's possible, and the way I have 
it framed up I think it is. ( the door hell rings) 

Ethel. But Duncan. 

Duncan. I think I can do it. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 
(Maid enters.) 


91 


Maid. Mr. Steele, sir. 

Duncan. Ask him to wait a minute or two. Then 
show him in when I ring. 

Maid. Yes, sir. (Maid exits) 

Ethel. Dear ! 

Duncan. I must see him alone. 

Ethel. Oh, I’m so anxious. 

Duncan. Of course you are and so am I. 

Ethel. If you fail? 

Duncan. I mustn’t fail. I’ve got to win. I’ve 
got to win ! 

Ethel. Good luck and all my love. ( she reaches 
up and hisses him. He holds her for a second. 

' There is a pause. Ethel goes to exit) 

Duncan. Don’t worry dear. It’s going to be all 
right, (exit Ethel) 

( The instant Ethel disappears Duncan relaxes 
showing the strain he has been under during 
the previous scene and steadies himself with his 
hands on the bach of a chair. There is a pause. 
He wipes Jiis face with his liandherchief then he 
gradually gets hold of himself , pulls himself 
together and rings the bell. There is a pause. 
Steele enters. There is a pause. Both men 
are cautious and wary.) 

- Steele. Hello Duncan. 

Duncan. Hello Dick, (pause) Sit down. 

Steele. Thanks. (Steele^s. There is a pause) 
Well? (pause) You said you wanted to see me, 

Duncan. Yes. (pause) About the option. 

Steele. Not a cent over sixty thousand — not one 
red cent. 

Duncan. As I told you this afternoon it isn’t for 
sale at any price. 

Steele. Then why — this ? 


92 


“DON’T WEAKEN.” 


Duncan. I want to avoid a fight. 

Steele. I should think you would — if there was 
anything to fight over — but there isn’t. 

Duncan. Oh, yes there is — a lot. 

Steele. What ? 

Duncan. The entire trade — that’s all. 

Steele. Don’t try it. It doesn’t go. You’ve 
made a great fight and I give you credit for it. 

Duncan. Thanks. 

Steele. But you’re beaten and you know it. 

Duncan. Ha ! 

Steele. You can’t possibly raise ninety-five 
thousand before noon to-morrow. 

Duncan. So T’ve been told many times to-day. 

Steele. And you know it’s true. 

Duncan. I can have it before ten-thirty. 

Steele. Yes? 

Duncan. Yes. - 

Steele. Then there’s no need of my staying. 

Duncan. Why ? 

Steele. If you can raise the money you get con- 
trol and — that let’s me out. 

Duncan. Not of necessity. 

Steele. No? 

Duncan. This thing is big enough for all of us. 
If you’re not in it you’re sure to go down in the end. 
but I know you Steele and T know the fight you’ll put 
up, and what it will cost us. 

Steele. I imagine it would be expensive. 

Duncan. For both of us. And so I propose — t — 

Steele. Yes ? 

Duncan. A consolidation. 

Steele. Of what? 

Duncan. Of your interests on the one hand and 
Mr. Travis’ and mine on the other. 

Steele. I know exactly what Mr. Travis’ interests 
are but I haven’t the remotest idea of yours. 

Duncan. Mine is the' control of the invention. 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


93 


Steele. But if you can’t deliver it? 

Duncan. I can. 

Steele. You can? 

Duncan. Absolutely. ( there is a pause ) 

Steele. Very well. Bring it to my office at half 
past twelve to-morrow and I’ll close the deal. 
{pause) That’s satisfactory of course? 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. Why ? 

Duncan. The deal must be closed to-night. 

Steele. And I must advance you the necessary 
money ? 

Duncan. Yes. 

(Steele laughs quietly.) 

Steele. I’d begun to think you were a bright 
business man. I apologize. 

Duncan. Those are my terms. 

Steele. Which are declined with thanks, (pause) 
Anything else? 

Duncan. I’d like to hear what you have to say. 

Steele, (his manner becomes alert and his speech 
incisive) Very well, you shall hear it and hear it 
quick. I like your nerve thinking you could put a 
proposition like that over with me. What do you 
think I am? 

Duncan. A business man. 

Steele. That’s exactly what T am and the reason 
that I’m here— I knew from the beginning that you 
were bluffing but I wanted to see how far you’d go. 
Well, I’ve seen and now we’ll dismiss it. 

Duncan. Just a minute. 

Steele. We’ll dismiss it! And get down to 
cases! Your option is for a hundred thousand. I 
have a second option for a quarter of a million ex- 
actly one hundred and fifty thousand more than 
vours. If you accept mv offer of sixty thousand 1 
save ninety thousand. That’s the reason I’m here 


94 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


to try to save that ninety. Will yon accept sixty 
thousand or won’t you? 

Duncan". I won’t. 

Steele. Then I’ll tell you what I’ll do and it is 
my last proposition. I’ll give you seventy-five 
thousand. That makes it an even break. You make 
seventy-five and I save seventy-five. Is it a go? 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. This is the last call. Take it or leave it. 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. Good-night. Steele, goes briskly to- 
ward exit) 

Duncan. ( sharply ) Steele. (Steele stops) 

Steele. Well ? 

Duncan, (briskly and incisively) Now I’ll get 
down to cases. Mr. Travis arrives on the seven 
o’clock train in the morning from Montreal. 

Steele. What? 

Duncan. You heard me? 

Steele. Seven in the morning. 

Duncan. Exactly. I’ve been in touch with him 
ever since he left. Do you think I was leaving as big 
a thing as this to chance — Do you think I’d over- 
look one single way of bringing it to an issue ? Mr. 
Travis arrives at seven to-morrow. You’ve heard 
my terms and now you can take them or leave them 
and “ good-night.” (Duncan goes down stage to 
corner with his back toward Steele. There is a 
pause) 

Steele. I don’t believe . it — I don’t believe' it. 

Duncan. Meet the train and see. 

( There is a pause. The door bell rings. Steele 
laughs. ) 

Steele. I take my hat off to you Duncan. You’re 
certainly a' good bluffer. Unfortunately though your 
story has a small but fatal defect. If Mr. Travis 


“ DON’T WEAKEN” 


95 


arrives to-morrow morning why did yon go to the in- 
ventor and beg for an extension. 

Duncan. Why — I — 

Steele. Don’t deny that you didn’t because he 
’phoned me about it. 

Duncan. Of course I went and then I was bluff- 
ing. I wanted to see just how far you’d go in trying 
to get the' option and in this way confirm my opinion 
as to what it was really worth. 

Steele. I can’t give you any credit for that — it 
isn’t up to the standard. 

Duncan. It’s the truth. 

Steele. Oh no ! You had me worried for 
awhile — I admit it — but it’s all over. Good-night 
old man. (Steele goes toward exit) 

Duncan. But Steele — Steele ! 

Steele. No more. (Steele stops at exit and sud- 
denly turns ) I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give 
you just one more chance. Seventy-five — for the last 
time — seventy-five. 

Duncan. No. 

Steele. All right. 

(Ethel enters hurriedly. She has a telegram.) 

Ethel. Duncan ! Father’s coming. He arrives 
at nine to-morrow from Montreal. Isn’t it won- 
derful ? 

Duncan. (to Steele) Now am I bluffing? 

(Steele comes down.) 

Steele. You said seven. 

Duncan. That’s the schedule time. 

Ethel. But the train’s two hours late he says so. 
And he wants me to meet him with the car. Oh, I’m 
so happy. 

( There is a pause. Steele looks searchingly at 
Ethel. ) 


06 


"DON'T WEAKEN." 


Steele. May I 'see the telegram ? 

Ethel. Really Mr. Steele I 

Duncan. Let him, please. (Ethel gives tele- 
gram to Steele. He reads it carefully) Well? 

Steele, (to Ethel) Will you do something for 
me ? 

Ethel. That depends. 

Steele. A big thing hangs on it and it concerns 
your father very closely. Will you do what 1 ask? 

Ethel. Duncan 

Duncan. Whatever it is do it. 

(Steele goes hurriedly to ’phone and looks for a 
number.) 


Ethel. Must I? 

Duncan. Yes, dear. 

Ethel. Very well. 

Steele. (at ’phone) Ts this 4870101. The 
Western Union? (pause) I am the butler at Mr. 
William Cannon's residence where Miss Ethel Travis 
is staying. (Ethel starts to speak hut Duncan 
restrains her) Miss Travis has just" received a mes- 
sage from her father and she wishes to speak to you 
about it. (pause) Thank you. Please look it up 
and hold the wire, (he covers the transmitter. To 
Ethel) Please. 

Ethel. . Rut I 

Duncan. Do whatever he says. 

(Ethel goes to ’phone. Steele gives her the trans- 
mitter hut he takes the receiver.) 

Steele. Please repeat what I say. (Ethel re- 
peats the following message) t This is Miss Travis. 
(pause) I have just received a telegram from my 
fathQr about his arrival in the morning, (pause) 
Please tell me where it was sent from as the sending 
station is blurred, (pause) That's all. (pause) 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


97 


Thank yon. Good-bye. (Steele hangs up ’ phone 
and comes down stage watching Ethel). 

Ethel. Now I insist on knowing what this 
means ? 

Duncan-. It’s quite simple. Mr. Steele thought 
there was some trickery connected with your tele- 
gram. 

Ethel. Trickery ? 

Duncan. Yes. 

Ethel. Ridiculous* , 

Duncan, (to Steele) Are you convinced now? 

Steele. Not quite, (to Ethel) With your 
permission, (he goes to ’ phone and gets another 
number) Hello is this M. II. 7800. (pause) What 
time is your train due in the morning from 
Montreal, (pause) Is it on time? (pause\ Find 
out please. It’s most important. I'll wait. 

Ethel. Never- — in all my life — have I heard of 
such a thing. 

Duncan. Ft's all right, dear. It’s all right. 

Ethel. The impertinence ! The impertinence ! 

(Duncan calms Ethel.) 

Steele, (at 'phone) What? Two hours late. 
(pause) Thank you. That’s all. Good-bye. 
(Steele replaces receiver and comes down) 

Duncan. And now ? 

Steele. I can’t fight that evidence. 

Ethel. Will you be so good as to explain ? 

Steele. I will and frankly. I thought there was 
deception somewhere. 

Ethel. In my father’s telegram to me? 

Steele. Yes. 

Ethel. The idea. 

Steele. I still don’t understand why you want 
me in. It isn’t altruism I know. • 

Duncan. It’s just common sense, plain common 
sense. I’ve given you one reason — right at the out- 


98 


“ DON’T WEAKEN.” 


set. Pm not looking for a fight with a man as strong 
as you. Another reason is this: You are by all 
odds the brainiest and best man in the business and 
Pd rather have you with us than against us. And 
there’s another reason — the most important of all. 

Steele. What ? 

Duncan. Ethel promised to marry me but her 
father wouldn’t agree. He said I couldn’t make 
good. I want to show him that I can and above all 
that I can do it without his help. That’s the reason 
I want to put the deal through now, that’s why I 
want it clinched to-night — before he comes. I want 
to show him that I can put this through myself — 
alone — without him. 

Steele. I see. {pause) It’s a go. {he offers 
his hand which Duncan takes) 

Duncan, Good. (Duncan goes to exit) You’ll 
find Will Cannon working on the agreement and this 
time we’ll both sign it. 

Steele, {going to exit) You don’t waste much 
time. I’m glad to be associated with you, Duncan. 

Duncan. Thanks, 

Duncan. Thanks. (Steele exits) 

Ethel. Isn’t it all splendid. And father coming 
home to-morrow, too. 

Dunca'n. He isn’t coming home. 

Ethel. But the telegram? 

Duncan. I sent it. 

Ethel. .But it’s dated Montreal. 

Duncan. I have a friend in Montreal. 

Ethel. Then — then {the idea dawns on her 

and she points toward Steele who has made his exit. 
Duncan nods) Oh, Duncan! Wasn’t that a great 
idea ! 

CURTAIN. 

Don’t weaken ! Don’t weaken ! 

Though rough and hard may be the going 


“DON'T WEAKEN” 


99 


No - white feather must be showing 
Don’t weaken — don’t weaken 
Yon are fighting for ns all to-day 
To-day. 

Yon are fighting for yonr mother 
For yonr sister and your brother 
You are fighting for yonr pal 
Yon are fighting for yonr gal 
And as sure as sky’s above you 
Yon must win for those who love you 
So don’t weaken! Don’t weaken! 
Yon are fighting for ns all to-day 
To-day 

You are fighting for ns all to-day. 













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